Osasuna manager hails ‘underrated’ Barcelona star as ‘one of the best in the world’ | OneFootball

Having already beaten FC Barcelona once this season, CA Osasuna take on Hansi Flick’s men in La Liga on Saturday night, hoping to repeat their triumph.

Vicente Moreno’s men secured a 4-2 victory at home at El Sadar back in September last year and will be keen on pulling off another win over the Blaugrana this time at Montjuic.

Vicente Moreno praises Raphinha

Speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s contest in Catalonia, Osasuna boss Vicente Moreno heaped praise on Barcelona winger Raphinha.

“Raphinha and Lamine did not start that match, and they are two players who, whether in the starting lineup or not, make the difference. Either of them,” stated Moreno.

“Raphinha, for example, is underrated. I see him as one of the best in the world, if not the best, with huge influence in both attack and defence, as well as in individual and team play. We are talking about top-level players,” he added.

Vicente Moreno was full of praise for Raphinha. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Amid talks of Flick potentially rotating his troops for tomorrow’s game keeping in mind next week’s Champions League assignment vs. Benfica, Moreno hoped the Barça boss would rest some of his key players.

“Sometimes people say they want to play against the best. Well, I say I would prefer that none of them play. I do not know if there will be any changes, but I expect a strong starting eleven. I have no doubt about that,” he said.

When asked whether he would settle for a draw against a Barcelona side that has won six consecutive matches, Moreno was both ambitious and realistic, as he said:

“It is difficult for me to settle for a draw. With so many draws already this season, we cannot afford to be satisfied with another one.

“That being said, after the match, 90% of people would probably consider it a good result to get a point away at Barcelona, a team fighting for the league title.

“But we will push for every opportunity and try to win. If that is not possible, a draw would be good. But before the match, our mindset is always to go for the win.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo