Getafe manager lavishes praise on prodigious Barcelona starlet – ‘Delight to see him play’

Barcelona will look to make it seven out of seven in La Liga as they take on Getafe at home on Wednesday evening.

Speaking ahead of Getafe’s visit to Monjuic, Jose Bordalas waxed lyrical about Lamine Yamal, labelling him a ‘delight to play’. He also talked about Barcelona’s strong start to the season while offering words of encouragement to Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Bordalas on Yamal

Lamine Yamal is a name on everyone’s lips right now, following a spectacular start to the 2024/25 campaign.

The 17-year-old has been involved in nine goals in just seven competitive matches, making him one of Barcelona’s most crucial players.

“It is a delight to see Yamal play. He has spectacular numbers and has shown great maturity,” Bordalas said (h/t SPORT).

“He can be whatever he wants and reach an incredible level,” he added.

Bordalas is not the only one to sing praises about Yamal in recent weeks, as even former Real Madrid players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Guti have rated him quite highly.

Bordalas on Barcelona

Talking about Barcelona at large, the Getafe coach pointed out how the club have flourished through its young talents.

“Barça are also a delight to watch. They have young players with a lot of talent and enthusiasm. That is what makes this FC Barcelona a difficult rival,” he said.

Bordalas went on to label Barça as the best team in Europe right now following a brilliant start to the season.

“We know that we are facing a great rival that is at a very high level. I think that, right now, Barça are the best team in Europe in terms of results. Not in the Champions League, but in La Liga they have won all his games,” he said.

“They have talent and energy, but what I like most is how they work and run. It’s going to be a game of great demand and difficulty, but we’re going with all the illusion in the world. We are determined to put up a strong fight,” he added.

Talking about Getafe’s chances of pulling off a surprise, Bordalas added, “The bets are in favour of Barcelona because of their great start and potential, but this is football and we always face the games to win them.

“We will have to do many things right if we want to achieve it, but the team is mentally prepared. We will give absolutely everything and compete.”

Bordalas on ter Stegen

The Getafe coach took the opportunity to talk about Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who recently picked up a knee injury that could rule him out for the entire season.

“I want, on behalf of the entire staff, to give a lot of encouragement to Ter Stegen and his whole family for the serious injury he suffered last weekend. We wish him a good recovery,” he concluded.