Barcelona will be branded as the undisputed favourites as they lock horns with Real Madrid this weekend, in the season’s first El Clasico.
But while former players such as Gerard Pique are predicting an easy win for Barcelona, ex-Real Madrid star Guti has taken a different stance, predicting a win for his former team.
At the same time, though, Guti has also acknowledge the sheer quality Barça have while also heaping praise on Lamine Yamal.
Guti in awe of Lamine Yamal
In an interview with SPORT, the former Real Madrid man was glowing in his assessment of Barcelona’s talisman, the chief threat his old club must contain at the Camp Nou.
Guti has branded Yamal as a special player. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
“Lamine is very confident, right now he’s at a very good level, he’s one of Barça’s most decisive players and also one of the most important players in the world,” he said.
Despite his Madrid allegiances, Guti had no hesitation in tipping the teenager for the game’s biggest individual honours.
“It’s clear that even though he’s from Barcelona and I’m not a big fan of that club, you have to recognise that he’s a fantastic player.
“If he keeps playing like this, he’ll surely be a contender for Player of the Year and a Ballon d’Or winner in the coming years. He has a very promising future,” he added.
However, the former midfielder was quick to warn Real Madrid against focusing solely on the 19-year-old.
“Real Madrid would be wrong to focus only on him, because alongside Lamine there is Fermin, who is doing very well; there is Rodri; there is Raphinha… Mourinho’s team has to look at all the players,” he said.
Guti also stressed that both sides boast strength in depth, even though Barcelona have been hit with multiple injuries in defence, with Jules Kounde now being ruled out for the clash.
“Barça and Real Madrid are not just two or three big stars, they are teams that are all very good,” he said.
Guti’s prediction for the Clasico and Ballon d’Or
Guti expects Real Madrid to win the Clasico. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
While he conceded the hosts carry a serious threat, Guti nailed his colours to the mast with a scoreline in Real Madrid’s favour.
“I imagine a very entertaining match full of goals. I’d be very happy if Real Madrid wins, so I’ll predict they’ll win 4-2.”
“But the truth is, I see the match as extremely tough for them, and that Barcelona has a big chance of securing the victory,” he said.
As far as the Ballon d’Or is concerned, Guti admitted he wants Kylian Mbappe to win but says the fight is open, with Yamal and Rodri also emerging as candidates.
“I would love for Mbappe to win it, but anything can happen, I think it’s very open. Mbappe, Lamine, Rodri, or even Harry Kane have a chance. I think this is the year it’s most open; anyone can win it,” he said.
“Indeed, it won’t be a surprise to me if Mbappe or Lamine wins, because I think they are two great players,” he concluded.