Real Madrid legend heaps praise on Barcelona prodigy – ‘One of the most dangerous players’ | OneFootball

With the Round of 16 officially closing with Turkey’s win over Austria, only eight teams remain alive in the European Championship. The next round, however, will see some big favourites bow out.

The clash between Spain and Germany, in many ways, is seen to be the point where the competition peaks. Given that the two sides are playing some of the best football in the tournament, it is almost unfair that one of the two must bid adieu.

The two sides will lock horns on Friday night in what will be a battle for the ages. Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Ilkay Gundogan will be some of the Barcelona stars in action.

Toni Kroos speaks about Yamal

Speaking at a press conference (h/t BILD) ahead of Friday’s blockbuster clash, retiring German and Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos gave his take on Lamine Yamal’s heroics in the competition and did not hesitate in heaping praise on him.

“Lamine has been at Barcelona for a year and the confidence with which he plays is incredible. He is one of the most dangerous players,” Kroos said.

Lamine Yamal has been excellent at the Euros. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

The Real Madrid icon then went on to admit that Spain boasted of dangerous wingers, indirectly hinting that it would be a challenge to curb the Yamal-Nico Williams partnership in the quarterfinal.

“Spain have very good wingers, Nico is also good and we must defend him together and not play so freely.”

On a different level

The magic Barcelona’s teenage sensation is pulling on the biggest of stages at 16 years of age is truly astounding.

At this point, he appears to be one of the sport’s most dangerous active wingers and has created chances with ease for Spain.

Yamal is currently tied as one of the players with the most chances created so far in the tournament with four to his name. He already has two assists to his name and is unlucky to have not scored given the position he has gotten into.

Starring as a regular starter at such a young age is indeed inspiring, but Barcelona will hope that such extensive minutes do not serve as a detriment to his long-term fitness. Luckily for the Catalans, he will not participate in the upcoming Olympics.