Newcastle United may have been sent something of a warning by Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick as he claims Lamine Yamal is training “fantastically ” before their Champions League clash.
Yamal missed the first game between Newcastle United and Barcelona in the Champions League this season, which came back in September.
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A graphic showing Eddie Howe's quotes on Lewis Hall's performance against FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal reading: "It was an interesting battle, I think he defended really well."
Credit: Getty Images/Chris Brunskill/Fantasista
Generally regarded as the world’s best player on his day, Yamal was then marked out of the game for much of the first leg between the two sides by the excellent Lewis Hall.
Still, the 18-year-old scored the late penalty that denied Eddie Howe’s side a famous win on Tyneside, and one to give the La Liga champions the advantage heading into Barcelona versus Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Flick praised Yamal for his work in training.
FC Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is put under pressure by Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Yamal training ‘fantastically’ well ahead of Barcelona vs Newcastle United
The teenager was not at his best in the first leg despite scoring but Flick likes what he has seen from him behind the scenes.
Of the Spanish international, Flick said: “He’s the player who can make the difference. He trained fantastically yesterday and today too. So did the team.
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“The Champions League is one of the best competitions, everyone wants to play there, and it’s extra motivation for the players.”
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A graphic asking Newcastle United fans to grade Eddie Howe's performance this season between A* and D.
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That threatens to sound ominous, with the players of his class so anonymous (from open play at least) in two consecutive games.
Yamal has nine goals and nine assists in 30 Champions League appearances and looks on course to become a modern day legend of the game.
Still, Hall largely got the better of him at St James’ Park, and it will be fascinating to see how their battle continues.
Lewis Hall praised for his performance against Lamine Yamal
Hall was brilliant against Yamal, and it was not the Newcastle defender’s fault that the forward eventually scored late on.
The Spain star did very little of note before bagging his penalty, such was the job Hall did on him from a defensive standpoint.
Indeed, the Newcastle star was so good that pundit Paul Merson showered him with praise when speaking a few days after the event.
Merson told Sky Sports News: “I thought it was up there with one of the best. He was phenomenal, considering how good Yamal is.
“When he plays at home, it will be a little bit of a different game. It will be harder but you can only do what is thrown in front of you and he got the better of him.”
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