Osasuna defender heaps praise on young Barcelona duo ahead of La Liga showdown | OneFootball

In under less than 12 hours, FC Barcelona will lock horns with CA Osasuna at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Matchweek 27 of La Liga.

The Blaugrana were handed a 4-2 defeat by the Pamplona-based outfit in the reverse fixture earlier this season and will be eager to avoid the same fate at home.

However, confidence within the Osasuna ranks seems to be high despite their recent form in La Liga, where they have won only one of their last 14 games.

Indeed, during an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Osasuna defender Juan Cruz talked about his team’s chances against Barcelona tonight while also heaping praise on La Masia duo Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde.

Praise for Barcelona

Cruz, a left-back by trade, will come up against Lamine tonight provided Hansi Flick does not opt to rest the teenage wonderkid.

Talking about facing the 17-year-old sensation, the Osasuna ace said: “He is showing his quality despite his youth.”

Continuing, he added: “I consider myself a defender who can cope with these players. But this is a team game and there will be many more interesting duels.”

Cruz then went on to heap praises on Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, saying: “He has shown what he is. He’s had an injury but he’s had an incredible career, he’s been incredible, how he goes on the attack! He’s a great full-back.”

The Osasuna defender also praised the current young generation of the Blaugrana, having seen the likes of Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Sergi Dominguez start in the reverse fixture this season.

“Yes, it’s an incredible generation, strong, at a high level, very young. The 4-2 win was more to Osasuna’s credit than to Barça’s demerit for playing with such young players,” he said.

Juan Cruz thinks highly of Balde, Lamine. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Talking about Barcelona and their form of late, Cruz remarked: “Barça are always Barça. It doesn’t matter what moment they’re going through. They are a great team. It just so happens that we are also a very tough and united team.”

The left-back was in the starting XI for Osasuna when they beat Barcelona 4-2 earlier this season. And he insisted that his team must play with the same attitude to come away with a positive result tonight, saying:

“I don’t know if that game can be taken as a reference today. It depends on the circumstances. What is clear to me is that we have to maintain the attitude, commitment and unity that we had then to get something positive out of it.”

On whether he would be happy to settle for a draw tonight at Montjuic, the defender said: “I’d sign for a positive result, but we’re not satisfied with a draw, we’re always thinking about getting the three points. We never give up.”

Speaking about what will be the key for his side to come out with a positive outcome against Barcelona, Cruz stated:

“Sacrifice. We must not relax and go at 100%. Even if we have a great day, it can be very difficult for us.”

On being asked about the differences between Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side and that of former manager Xavi Hernandez, Cruz remarked:

“Every coach has his method, but Barça are always the same, it depends on the players.”

The left-back went on to praise the attacking quality that the Blaugrana possess, having already scored 124 goals in all competitions this season, saying:

“That’s a lot of goals. There is a high level. Nothing is a coincidence.”