Lamine Yamal issues warning to Real Madrid new signing: ‘I’m going to eat him alive’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid have made significant investment in their defence heading into the new season, one of which saw them bring in former Barcelona player Marc Cucurella in a big-money move from Chelsea.

The move has already caused a lot of controversy, with Barcelona fans not too happy with Cucurella and his decision to join Real Madrid, as well as some of the comments made after joining Los Blancos.

Needless to say, the Spanish international will be in focus when Barcelona and Real Madrid lock horns next season. And it appears Barça star Lamine Yamal is ready for the challenge.

What Yamal told Cucurella

Speaking to COPE (h/t Fabrizio Romano), Lamine Yamal made no attempt to hide his confidence about facing Cucurella in next season’s Clasico encounters.

Cucurella and Yamal have faced each other in the past. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“Look, I told him that he will start the first match, but by the second he will already be a substitute, because I’m going to eat him alive,” Yamal said.

This is a textbook from Yamal, who has not appeared shy in riling up Real Madrid players and the club in the past.

The teenager and Cucurella are, of course, teammates with the Spanish national team, but there is little doubt the winger will relish the opportunity to test himself against his international colleague in Barcelona colours.

A quiet World Cup for Yamal

Yamal has had a subdued World Cup so far. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

While Yamal is clearly in a confident mood, his World Cup has been a more subdued affair than many anticipated.

The Barcelona star arrived at the tournament having battled back from the hamstring injury that ended his club season prematurely, and Spain managed his return carefully in the early stages.

Spain have advanced to the knockout rounds but have been some way short of their fluent best, struggling to click in attack despite topping their group.

Yamal, so often the difference-maker for both club and country, will be eager to rediscover his spark as Spain take on Austria in the Round of 32 tonight.

It is a game where Cucurella is also expected to start, and his service on the flanks could be equally crucial.