Girona manager lavishes praise on Barcelona sensation – ‘Most differential player in the league’

Speaking ahead of their La Liga encounter tomorrow, Girona manager Michel hailed Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as the ‘most differential player’ in La Liga when it comes to 1v1 situations.

Yamal, 17, has made a stunning start to the 2024/25 season, playing a key role in the Blaugrana bagging four wins on the trot.

The teenage La Masia gem was even named the La Liga U23 Player of the Month for August for his exceptional start to the season.

Michel hails Lamine Yamal

Given his form, Yamal will carry a major threat to Girona when they face Barcelona tomorrow at Estadi Montilivi and their manager, Michel, is aware of the danger that the 17-year-old poses.

“For me, Lamine is the most differential player in the league in the 1vs1, his decision making is ‘top’ at only 17 years of age, he does everything well,” said Michel, as quoted by SPORT.

However, Michel also pointed out that Raphinha, who won the La Liga Player of the Month award for August, and Robert Lewandowski as major threats to his team tomorrow, saying:

“Raphinha is in a great moment, great depth. And we know Lewandowski has a goal.”

Michel confident of their chances

Despite Barcelona’s strong start to the season, Michel insisted that his Girona team can get the better of their local rivals this Sunday, much like they did twice last season.

“Barça are ‘top’ and we have to be able to look them in the face, with all the respect in the world. We have to have personality, we have to get into the opposition’s half. We will compete, Barça will suffer, and so will we,” he said.

“I want to say to the fans that I am convinced that we will do things very well, and I am not talking about winning or losing. The team is ready, we want to be aggressive with and without the ball. We want the ball.”

On what was different between the Barcelona team of last season under Xavi and this one under Flick, he added:

“Barça are different, they press a lot with their wingers, Lewandowski is further up the pitch, with Xavi it was pressure on the man. I haven’t looked at the past to know what I will ask of my players.”