Rivaldo makes huge claim about Barcelona gem – ‘Next season he will wear the No. 10 shirt’ | OneFootball

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona has garnered praise from across the globe this season for their attacking brand of football, and rightfully so given that the men in garnet and blue have already crossed 100 goals this season.

Despite a few hiccups along the way, the Catalans are seated comfortably in the UEFA Champions League, have recovered some of their deficit in La Liga, and are aa win away from a place in the semifinal of the Spanish Cup.

Needless to say, their run of form has only been possible due to an all-round performance from players across the field, albeit particularly the forwards and their clinical finishing.

Rivaldo praises Barcelona

Speaking to the media earlier this week, Barcelona legend Rivaldo gave his opinion on a plethora of topics including Barcelona’s chances in the UEFA Champions League and specific players and he began by proclaiming that they were one of the favourites.

“Before I thought it was too early to talk about Barcelona being favourites. I said it would take a while to become European champions again because of everything that has happened in recent years,” he began, admitting his change in perspective now.

“Very difficult moments, changes of coaches, problems within the club, etc. [troubled the team]. But now they are playing very well,” he added, handing high praise to Hansi Flick’s side.

Elaborating on what made Barcelona’s football so attractive and powerful, he said,

“Their football is making the fans and the whole world dance, who once again enjoy watching the team play.”

“There is a lot of competition ahead, but today I see Barcelona with a good chance of going far in the UCL and with options to be champion,” he added.

On the team’s trident

The Brazilian legend also gave his two cents on the trio of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal and how they could write history for the club, saying:

“Lewandowski, Yamal, and Raphinha have everything to be a trio that makes history in Barcelona. The way they are playing shows that the team is also very close.”

“From the outside, you can see that the players are connected, focused, and without egos within the team,” he added on the team as a whole.

Barcelona’s future No. 10? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Rivaldo also ensured to praise Lamine Yamal specifically, especially for their maturity beyond his years.

“He plays as if he is 25 years old, with a lot of experience, he plays easily. It has already been said that next season he will wear the No. 10 shirt.”

He elaborated on the world-conquering talent the Spaniard has in his boots and how the sky was the limit for him.

“With the personality he has, he will surely soon be a candidate for the best player in Europe and the world. He is a player I admire, I like his style of play.”

Finally, he praised Yamal for his humility and for keeping his feet on the ground amid the hype generated around his performances.

“He is a jewel of Barcelona, a boy who deserves all the good he is achieving for the person he is.”

“You can tell that he is humble, he has not let fame or money go to his head, and I really admire the players who have that kind of attitude,” he added.

Rivaldo does not like the new UCL format

The UEFA Champions League presented a novel format this season with teams playing in a league stage as opposed to the traditional group stage.

“I didn’t like the format, although the last day was exciting with so many meetings at the same time. Now, after the draw we see the consequences,” he said, giving his opinion on the experiment.

“Many clubs relaxed, if they had been more focused, they would undoubtedly be in a better position. We are going to have a Manchester City vs. Real Madrid, and one of these champions will already be left out,” he added on the pros of the format.

Source: SPORT