As Girona prepare to face Barcelona in the first Catalan derby of the season at Montilivi, Girona manager Michel Sanchez has heaped praise on Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, Soccernet.football reports.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated clash, Michel acknowledged Yamal’s remarkable abilities and described the 17-year-old as the most “differential” player in La Liga.
“Lamine Yamal is the most differential player in La Liga in one-on-one because his decision-making is top in a 17-year-old player. He does everything very well and is above everyone in that sense,” Michel told the press (via MundoDeportivo).
The Girona boss also took the time to highlight the form of Barcelona winger Raphinha, who has been a key figure in their successful start to the season.
“Raphinha is also in a great moment because of his verticality, he makes the depth of the team very good.”
Michel’s Girona side faces a formidable Barcelona team, managed by Hansi Flick, who have won their opening four matches in La Liga this season.
The Girona manager praised Barcelona’s intensity and technical quality, noting that the Blaugrana excel both in attack and in recovering the ball quickly.
Despite the upcoming Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, Michel believes that Barcelona are solely focused on Sunday’s derby.
“For me, there is no such thing as Wednesday’s game. I haven’t seen anything from PSG,” Michel opined.
Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has some selection dilemmas ahead of the derby.
According to reports, Flick is yet to decide who will start at the base of midfield between Marc Casadó and Eric García, as well as in attacking midfield, where Dani Olmo’s injury could see Raphinha move to a more central role, with Ferran Torres potentially featuring on the left.
With both Girona and Barcelona eyeing key victories, Sunday’s derby promises to be an intriguing battle between the two Catalan neighbours.