Emery tips Barcelona for Champions League glory, backs Yamal to become world’s best
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineAston Villa manager Unai Emery has identified Barcelona as one of the leading contenders for this season’s UEFA Champions League title, while predicting that teenage forward Lamine Yamal has the potential to become the best player in the world.
Emery made the remarks ahead of Villa’s Champions League meeting with Barcelona at Camp Nou on Tuesday, acknowledging the quality and attacking strength of Hansi Flick’s side.
The Spanish manager warned that his players would face a difficult test against the Catalan giants, insisting that they would need resilience and character to cope with the hosts’ attacking threat.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Emery placed Barcelona among a select group of clubs capable of winning Europe’s biggest club competition.
“They’re the favourites to win this competition, given their current form and what they’ve accomplished over the past decade,” Emery said.
“We can count them on one hand – five teams – and one of them is Barca.
“If Barca play at their best, they can beat anyone. They’re going to push us very hard, and we’ll have to play with a lot of character.”
The Villa boss also reserved praise for Yamal, describing the Barcelona youngster as a special talent with the potential to reach the highest level of world football.
Emery, however, noted that the teenager still had areas of his game to improve despite his impressive qualities.
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“He’s a special player, and you can see in him that he could end up being the best in the world,” he said.
“He needs to improve in some areas, but he could end up being a great player.”
Villa will now attempt to overcome the challenge posed by Barcelona as they seek a positive result in Catalonia, with Emery fully aware of the quality awaiting his side at Camp Nou.
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