When legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo calls someone « the best », it can only be a superstar that everyone immediately notices. But in this case, that’s not the case.

If we are to believe Mauricio Pochettino, R9 did not say this about Messi, Ronaldinho or another luminary of this stature, but about Iván de la Peña, now forgotten by many. As Pochettino, who was on the Espanyol pitch during Messi’s Barça debut, once revealed to journalists, the initial euphoria for de la Peña was even greater than for Messi, Xavi or Iniesta.

If you watch old clips of the Spaniard, you will understand where the wind is coming from. The midfield gem’s technique, overview and resulting passing game truly came from another planet. After this whirlwind start with the Catalans, de la Peña’s move to Barça would pass more quickly than expected.

One of the reasons is an old acquaintance, especially at FC Bayern – Louis van Gaal. After his employment at FC Barcelona, ​​things became increasingly difficult for the young midfielder. The clear tactical ideas and required discipline were a thorn in de la Peña’s side – three years later he was sold to Lazio.

Four difficult years followed, including unsuccessful loans for the high-level technician once adored at Barcelona, ​​before finally regaining his late fortune. The Spaniard became a legend at his former employer’s rival city club RCD Espanyol Barcelona and remained there until the end of his career in 2011.

Although that was a good 15 years ago, de la Peña is once again making a splash in the Spanish city these days. He is now a player agent. His client list is absolutely impressive. For example, the 49-year-old looks after youngster Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernández, who, unfortunately for FC Barcelona, ​​left the club at the age of 18 earlier this year and joined Paris Saint-Germain.

« I loved Dro, so of course I’m disappointed. But it’s (Site notre bureau spécialisé). We have to respect this decision. I’m disappointed. He knows it, but I really liked this boy, » Flick told the media about the decision. While the Catalans’ successful coach expressed his disappointment quite diplomatically, Barca president Laporta grumbled over the departure of the young attacking gem.

FRANCK FIFE – AFP or licensors

“What happened to Dro was a betrayal,” Laporta said after the change. He also didn’t miss a good shot on de la Peña. “If this had happened with Jorge Mendes (adviser of Lamine Yamal and many other big stars), it could not have happened as it happened with the bald guy,” the Barça coach reprimanded the former top technician.

Laporta explained that de la Peña’s decision to send his Barcelona protégé to PSG outraged him, not least because he only had such a prominent role as a player’s agent because of his past with the Catalans. Given that the ‘bald man’ also counts Gavi and Eric Garcia on his client list in addition to Dro Fernández, we can expect there to be further friction between Laporta and de la Peña in the future.

Whether as an unpredictable magician on the pitch or as a fierce negotiator, Iván de la Peña remains a polarizing figure at Barcelona. For Joan Laporta, he may currently be public enemy number one, but for Ronaldo, he remains simply what he has always been: the best.

Tobias Heyer – Bongarts