‘One of the best’… Rayo Vallecano star hails Lamine Yamal ahead of Barcelona clash | OneFootball

Barcelona are set to face Rayo Vallecano on Monday night, in what could be a decisive game in the La Liga title race.

Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna, as well as Atletico Madrid’s 1-1 stalemate against Celta Vigo, have both opened up the opportunity for Hansi Flick’s side to return to the top of the La Liga table.

Barcelona have the most potent attack in Spain, as shown by their 64 goals in 23 La Liga matches this season, and a key figure in the front three has been Lamine Yamal.

The 17-year-old has scored five times and provided 11 assists in 20 league games this season, and Yamal has now drawn praise from an upcoming opponent.

Barcelona’s upcoming fixture against Rayo Vallecano should see Yamal come up against left-back Pep Chavarría, who has labeled the teenager as one of the best players in the world.

“He’s touched by a magic wand. He’s 17 years old, you don’t see that often. He’s already one of the best players in the world and we’ll see how far he can go,” Chavarria told EFE (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

“Because, honestly, everything he’s showing is that of a top player.”

Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Chavarría has been a consistent figure for Rayo this season, and with Inigo Perez’s side currently sixth in La Liga, he will hope to succeed in his difficult task of keeping Yamal quiet as they aim to qualify for European football next season.

“You have to have a good day and have a lot of help from your teammates, be very focused, not let him receive the ball easily and get into his game,” Chavarria responded when asked how he plans to stop Yamal.

“Try to make it a difficult game for him and then, not be constantly defending, but attacking so that he also has to defend you.”

Rayo are unbeaten in their last nine La Liga matches, but Barcelona will be determined to end their incredible run at Estadi de Montjuic on Monday.