'They are vital players’ - Xavi hails return of key Barcelona duo

The LaLiga leaders welcomed back two vital players at the weekend.

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has welcomed Frenkie de Jong and Pedri’s returns, saying the midfielders are ‘vital players’ for the club.

Both men featured in Sunday’s 1-0 home win over Atletico Madrid. De Jong started at Spotify Camp Nou after spending the last month sidelined. Pedri came on as a second-half substitute. It was the Spaniard’s first game since facing Manchester United in the Europa League on February 16.

“Without taking away anything from the other players, they are vital players for us,” Xavi told reporters in his post-match press conference.

“They improve everything that comes to them. They understand our model of play. That’s why they are so crucial to what we do. Frenkie was brilliant. Pedri also improves everything. He brings calm when the ball comes to him. For all the forwards, the presence of Pedri will improve them.”

Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game to hand Barcelona all three points on Sunday.

The victory maintained the club’s 11-point cushion over Real Madrid at the top of the league standings, with eight games left to be played.