Barcelona forward hailed as ‘one of the best in the world’ by Real Betis coach ahead of La Liga clash

FC Barcelona will lock horns with Real Betis on Saturday, hoping to stretch their lead at the top of the La Liga standings.
Currently with a one-point lead over arch-rivals Real Madrid, Hansi Flick & co. will be eager to get another victory tomorrow, but it will not be easy considering that Betis are currently on an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
However, speaking to the media ahead of the game, Los Verdiblancos manager Manuel Pellegrini stated that, irrespective of their form, it will be difficult to get a positive result against Barça.
“It will be a very difficult match; Barcelona are in good form. But so are we, we’re playing at home, and the three points would be important,” he said.
“We have to play a very complete game. Barcelona attack constantly, so we can’t make defensive mistakes because they have a lot of technical quality. With good offensive transitions, we can hurt them,” Pellegrini added.
The South American tactician had great words of praise for Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, as he said: “He is undoubtedly one of the best in the world, he proves it week after week.”
Regarding comparisons with Lionel Messi, Pellegrini commented: “Any comparison with Messi will be negative. You can’t compare one moment to another. Messi has a 20-year career, and his great merit, like Cristiano’s, was never settling.
“Lamine is just starting out, he has talent and must continue to improve. When he finishes, then we can compare them.”
The Real Betis boss also praised Hansi Flick’s approach and style of play at Barcelona, saying:
“He has the courage to impose a system, which is attractive for football. There are many ways to win, but this is a team that is constantly putting on a show.”
On what they must do to stand a chance of beating the Catalans, Pellegrini added: “To beat Barcelona, offensive transitions, defensive solidity and possession are essential… they are a very complete opponent.”
Pellegrini also revealed that Real Betis will have key players Antony and Giovani Lo Celso available for the game against Barcelona, but Sofyan Amrabat will miss out, along with former Barcelona defender, Hector Bellerin.
“Antony and Lo Celso are in the squad list, Amrabat has not fully recovered from his injury. Pau [Lopez] is back, Isco and Hector Bellerin are continuing their recovery.”