Julian Alvarez labels Barcelona wonderkid as one of the best in the world ahead of crucial La Liga clash | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal and Julian Alvarez were two of the most influential players for their respective teams as FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid faced off in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, which ended in a 4-4 draw.

The Spanish winger was the creator of two goals for his side, while the Argentine forward scored one of the goals for the Colchoneros while also creating another.

These two players will once again be looking to have similar influence as the two teams face once again tonight, this time in a crucial La Liga tie.

But ahead of this match, Mundo Deportivo reports that the Atletico Madrid forward admitted of the immense quality that Yamal brings to his team.

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Alvarez recognised the Barcelona star as one of the best players in the world:

“He is very young, but as of today, he is one of the best players in the world. The things he does and the quality he has at such a young age are admirable. It’s always great to play against the best, and for the spectators, it’s a privilege to have players like him.”

The 2022 World Cup winner also highlighted how his team will cope with the quality of players like Yamal and Raphinha in this game:

“They are going to approach the game as they always do, trying to play to their strengths, which include moving the ball and having players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who are in great form. They have very high-quality players, but we are also working to be well-prepared, execute our game plan, and play to our strengths as a team. With hard work and humility, we will push forward.”

It is good to hear opposition players praise Barcelona players, but in Yamal’s case, it is not rare to see him praised by opponents and teammates alike. Hopefully, he will receive even more praise after putting in another impressive performance in the game tonight.