Barcelona are preparing to face Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou in the first El Clasico of the league season.
Immediately after the game, the club will also await the results of the Ballon d’Or ceremony set to be held in London, with Lamine Yamal considered a favourite for the award.
Ahead of the game, Raphinha has delivered a powerful endorsement of Lamine Yamal, insisting that his young team-mate is currently the best footballer in the world.
The Brazilian also opened up about his struggles to reproduce his Barcelona performances with the national team.
Raphinha believes Yamal is comfortably the world’s best
Speaking in an interview on CazeTV, Raphinha praised Yamal’s exceptional quality and spoke about how much joy he brings to the sport.
“Lamine is proving that he is the best player in the world right now, and I don’t think there is any room for debate about that,” Raphinha declared.
“If you ask anyone who loves football, understands it and actually watches matches, they will realise how special he is.”
Lamine Yamal is one of the very best players in the world. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The Brazilian went even further in his praise for the teenager.
“For me, he is the best player in the world, perhaps by a very big margin over whoever is second.”
Such praise coming from someone who is himself one of the best footballers in the world means a lot to Lamine.
The teenager’s creativity, confidence and ability to decide matches have made him one of the team’s most important players under Hansi Flick.
Raphinha’s comments also highlight the relationship and the mutual respect between the stars in the Barcelona attacking unit.
Raphinha admits frustration over his Brazil performances
The winger was equally candid when discussing the difference between his club and international performances.
“I demand a lot from myself, and I know my results with the Brazilian national team are not the same as my results with Barcelona,” he admitted.
“I’ve tried many times to find explanations and excuses for why I can’t perform at the same level with the national team.”
He also revealed that injuries have disrupted his recent international involvement.
“I recently suffered another minor injury, and I’ve had injury problems during the last three national team call-ups.”
Raphinha opens up about his struggles with Brazil. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
However, the Barcelona forward firmly rejected any suggestion that his difficulties stem from a lack of commitment.
“I know my level with Brazil is far below what I produce at Barcelona, but it’s not because of a lack of care, desire or determination.”
Raphinha’s self-criticism reflects the mentality that has helped him become such an influential player at club level.
His willingness to acknowledge shortcomings, rather than hide behind excuses, is particularly encouraging.
With El Clasico coming up, Barcelona will hope both Raphinha and Yamal can continue to score goals for fun.
It remains to be seen how the duo fare on Sunday and whether Lamine wins the Ballon d’Or in London on Monday.