Speaking ahead of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie, Napoli manager Francesco Calzona has tipped Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal to become ‘one of the best players in the world’.
Yamal, just 16 years old, is enjoying a dream breakthrough season for Barcelona, establishing himself as a key cog in Xavi Hernandez’s plans despite his age.
In 37 matches in all competitions, the teenage La Masia sensation has produced a return of six goals and seven assists, which includes his spectacular match-winner against RCD Mallorca this past week.
Calzona lavishes praise on Yamal, Frenkie de Jong
Ahead of tomorrow’s contest between the two teams, Napoli manager Calzona was full of praise for Lamine Yamal and his talent as he tipped the 16-year-old to achieve greatness.
“He has the qualities to become one of the best players in the world, without a doubt. He is very young – he is 16 years old – and already looks like a veteran,” said Calzona.
“If he doesn’t get lost along the way, he has a good chance of becoming a world top player,” the Napoli boss added.
There was praise reserved for another Barcelona star in Frenkie de Jong as well, who will miss tomorrow’s do-or-die contest through injury.
“[He is] a modern, physical and technical” player. I love him, he has everything, but Barcelona have a very large squad and will find a solution” to cover his position,” he said.
Views on the game
With the first leg in Italy ending in a 1-1 draw, both teams have everything to play for tomorrow as they wish to lock a place in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
“If you’re afraid, it’s not worth turning up,” said Calzona, previewing the match. “We must have the courage to face strong and fit opponents with the awareness that we are strong. Napoli have to play as equals, and try to win.”
It must be remembered that Calzona took over the reins at Napoli only last month and his first match in charge was the game against Barcelona. However, since then, the Partenopei have improved as a team, which the manager highlighted in his press conference, saying:
“We are a more compact team, who don’t make so many concessions and create more chances. We are scoring a lot and we defend up front. I don’t like my team to run at the back.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo