Vitinha praises Lamine Yamal and identifies key battle ahead of PSG vs Barcelona: ‘Best in the world along with Mbappe’

Vitinha praises Lamine Yamal and identifies key battle ahead of PSG vs Barcelona: ‘Best in the world along with Mbappe’ Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha has identified Lamine Yamal as one of the world’s outstanding players ahead of the Champions League meeting between PSG and Barcelona. At the same time, however, he insists the French champions will rely on collective discipline rather than fear to contain the teenage forward. Speaking to the press before the high-profile encounter, the Portuguese international praised Yamal’s individual quality while highlighting the tactical battle expected between two teams built around possession and aggressive pressing.  The Barcelona winger has registered nine goals and 10 assists in 11 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League this season, making him one of the key threats PSG must prepare for. PSG plan collective response to Lamine Yamal threat Vitinha rejected the suggestion that PSG would approach the match with apprehension about Yamal, instead stressing the importance of defending together against Barcelona’s attacking talent. “Fear of Lamine Yamal? No, there’s no fear. He’s an exceptional player, but as a team, we have to work together to keep him in check. Vitinha has praised Lamine Yamal ahead of the PSG encounter. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) “Along with Mbappe, Lamine Yamal is the best in the world. He’s incredible. “It’s an interesting challenge to play against him, though it’s not just about Lamine. Barça is a great team, with some great individual talents,” he told the press. Simply put, Yamal’s form makes him an obvious focal point, but Barcelona have other creative threats capable of exploiting space if PSG become too focused on the right flank. Vitinha expects possession battle vs Barcelona midfield Beyond the individual duel, Vitinha believes control of possession and the effectiveness of each team’s pressing will influence the contest.  Both sides aim to dominate the ball, meaning the ability to escape pressure and create openings could prove decisive. “It’ll be a tough match; we’re two teams who want possession. “Barça have exceptional players and are a tough side to face; how we apply the pressure will be crucial.” Vitinha also acknowledged the quality of Barcelona’s midfield, specifically mentioning Pedri and Rodri, while making clear that PSG intend to impose their own style rather than simply react to their opponents. PSG midfielder Vitinha is looking forward to facing Barcelona’s midfield. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) “We’re two teams who want possession, and it’ll be very interesting to see who can control the match through their ball possession. “We’re two teams that press hard when we don’t have the ball, and it’ll be a very closely contested match. It’s only three points in a very long league season, but we know it’ll be a great match. “We’re up against one of the best midfields in the world, yes. I like Pedri and Rodri, but we want to play our own game too. “We will see how we approach the match and how we break through the intense pressure they apply. We will see.” Lastly, the Portuguese midfielder was asked about this year’s Ballon d’Or race, and he named several players he believes could compete for the award. “Many players are in with a chance of winning it: Mbappé, Olise, Lamine,” he concluded. Source: Mundo Deportivo