Barcelona legend Rivaldo talks Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Vitor Roque, Flick, El Clasico

Speaking in an interview recently (h/t MARCA), Barcelona and Brazil legend Rivaldo has heaped praise on Lamine Yamal, claiming that the youngster has everything needed to become one of the best players in the world.

The former Ballon d’Or winner also spoke highly of his compatriot Raphinha, who is enjoying a sensational run of form this season under new manager Hansi Flick.

Rivaldo on Yamal

Yamal has stepped up to a new level ever since his success with Spain at the UEFA Euro 2024 this past summer. Naturally, comparisons with Lionel Messi have come to the fore and when asked if the teenager can emulate what the Argentine did, Rivaldo said:

“It’s impressive, he’s still a 17-year-old kid and he’s already doing very good things. I don’t know if he’s going to be a Messi, it’s a very difficult comparison because of everything the Argentinian did at the club.

“Lamine has everything to be the best in the world and win many titles with Barcelona. I like him a lot, he plays with joy and enjoys football. And he makes the fans enjoy it.”

Given his precocious talent at such a young age, Rivaldo insisted that players like Yamal must be looked after in a special manner, saying:

“It’s essential to look after him. He’s still a kid, he’s talked about a lot in the press and he knows he’s important. He has to be very intelligent because football changes you a lot.

“He must have people by his side who talk to him and help him in his career so that he can be the best in the world.”

Highlighting the La Masia gem’s immense maturity despite his young age, the Brazilian great added:

“He looks older. The way he plays, you’d say he’s 25 or 26 years old. He looks like he’s been playing for a long time and already has the experience of an older player.

“He will go far because he plays very well, both at Barcelona and in the national team where he can do very well in the World Cup.”

Praise for Raphinha, Flick

As mentioned earlier, Raphinha has been simply brilliant this season, as was seen last night when he tore apart Bayern Munich to help Barcelona to a statement 4-1 win in the UEFA Champions League.

Recognising Raphinha’s transformation this season under Flick, Rivaldo said: “Football is often like that. In a season things don’t go well for you, you don’t have the confidence of the coach, you play in a position that is not your own, you go to the bench.”

“Without the coach’s backing, it’s very complicated. But now another one has arrived who is doing a good job and is giving him that confidence. Raphinha can do something very important within the club.”

Rivaldo also hailed Flick for the way he has started at Barcelona, highlighting how the young talent from the academy are getting opportunities. However, there was a slight warning for the German that things could take a bad turn if results did not go their way.

“He is doing very well in La Liga, giving opportunities to players from the youth system. I hope it continues like this. In football and in Barça, if you win everything goes well, but if you don’t, there is pressure from the press,” said Rivaldo.

“It’s like that, not only in Barcelona. It’s in all teams. If it starts to go badly and you lose two games, criticism will come, but Flick has experience and knows that this is how it is. He is surely prepared in case this moment comes,” he added.

“He’s doing well now, he’s doing a very good job and hopefully he can win titles.”

On Vitor Roque

Rivaldo, who backed Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid to win the Ballon d’Or, also spoke about Vitor Roque’s stint at Barcelona and why things did not work out for the young Brazilian.

“They were wrong to bring him in mid-season. He had to have a good pre-season and that’s impossible in December. He didn’t have Xavi’s confidence, he played very little,” said the 2002 FIFA World Cup winner.

“I hope he does well at Betis and can play good games, because he is very good and can score goals. What happened is that he didn’t come at a good time, also the situation at Barcelona wasn’t good and things didn’t work out well,” he added.

On whether he thinks Roque is at a level to play for Barcelona, Rivaldo said: “Surely in the future yes. Now he’s touched by what has happened and he should have a good season at Betis.”

Roque has not hidden the fact that he was not happy during his time at Barça. But Rivaldo insisted that the youngster can return to the club and turn things around if he enjoys a good season on loan with Real Betis.

“It’s a change, but Barcelona is Barcelona. If you have a good season in another team, any player likes to return to Barça. And if you have a good year you will come back with more confidence and you will be able to succeed at Camp Nou,” he said.

On the Clasico

The Brazilian icon also discussed the first El Clasico of the season that will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend, stating that there are no favourites heading into the blockbuster encounter.

“In these games there are no favourites, you don’t know what’s going to happen. Barcelona are doing well at the moment and are first in La Liga; Madrid are three points behind, but they are playing at home,” said Rivaldo.

“Barcelona will want to play their game and look for an away win. A win would be very good for them and also for the coach, who would win his first game against Madrid. But the Merengues are strong, they are Champions League and La Liga champions. It’s not easy to beat Madrid there.”