‘Already clear he was going to be great’ – Valencia starlet praises Barcelona youngster

Diego Lopez and Lamine Yamal were once part of La Masia. But on Monday, the two will become rivals on the pitch as Barcelona take on Valencia.

Lopez, who had moved to Valencia youth in 2021, has now established himself as a key player for the senior side. He will be one of the players in focus as Barcelona play host to the Asturian outfit on Monday.

Heading into this important game, Diego Lopez opened up on his relationship with Yamal and he did not even hesitate in praising his former La Masia teammate.

Diego Lopez heaps praise on Yamal, La Masia

“I met Lamine at La Masia. It was already clear that he was going to be a great player,” said Lopez (h/t Mundo Deportivo) who was teammates with Fermin Lopez and Gavi during his time at La Masia.

Although Lopez never quite managed to play regularly for Barça Atletic, he was a prominent figure in the youth teams before eventually making the move to Valencia.

Talking about his former club, Lopez commended Barcelona and La Masia for producing top talents on a consistent basis.

Diego Lopez is well aware of the Barcelona challenge (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

“The academy is working very well, La Masia has always produced very good players, but the same thing has happened in Paterna. We have started in a good way and that is the basis, it is what most teams have to do, work on the youth system,” Lopez said.

“I am obsessed with football and like me, there will be many young people who will want to be in the first teams of their city,” he added.

Diego Lopez went on to talk about the Barcelona encounter and how important the game will be, as far as Valencia’s European aspirations are concerned.

“I don’t think there is any doubt that we want to play in Europe next year,” Lopez said.  “We have a great team and will fight until the last league game.”

A winger by trade, Diego Lopez has featured in 33 competitive matches for Valencia this season. His four goals and six assists have been crucial in helping Los Che remain in contention for a European place.

With just six matches left before the season comes to an end, Valencia do have a chance of finishing in the top six. But for that, the club must build a winning momentum, which must start on Monday against Barça.