Ronaldinho praises ‘precocious’ Barcelona youngster, wants a Barça vs PSG final in UCL | OneFootball

Former Barcelona and Brazil superstar and football legend Ronaldinho has heaped praise on Lamine Yamal, calling the youngster one of the most exciting talents to watch in the coming years.

Speaking to French newspaper L’Equipe, the 45-year-old icon expressed his admiration for the Barça starlet and shared his hopes for a UEFA Champions League final between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain – two clubs close to his heart.

“He is a precocious talent. I also love watching him because of his creativity. He needs to keep working hard, but he will be great, for sure,” said Ronaldinho.

Asked about the possibility of a Barça vs PSG final in the UEFA Champions League, he did not hesitate, as he said: “I love both clubs, it would suit me just fine.”

The two teams faced off in the quarter-finals last season, with the Blaugrana getting eliminated at the hands of PSG.

Ronaldinho went on to express his affection for both sides, saying: “They are both in my heart. They are also two clubs that invest in young talent and could shape the future of football.”

Lamine Yamal earned praise from Ronaldinho. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

The former Brazil superstar also highlighted the impressive season ex-Barça ace Ousmane Dembele is having at PSG, even suggesting that the French winger is the current player whose style most closely resembles his own.

“I do not like to compare too much. I mainly follow my former teams and those still in the Champions League. There is Ousmane Dembele at PSG — I really like him. He has a bit of that Brazilian flair! He confuses defenders, creates, provokes,” he said.

“He is unpredictable and scores goals. He is stepping up and taking on a different role from last year’s PSG or even his time at Barcelona,” he added.

The Brazilian also praised former Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique for his leadership at PSG and celebrated their recent Ligue 1 title win.

“I saw some lovely photos of Luis Enrique with all his players. He is someone we admire. He gives everything. He knows what he is doing, what he is building. We met when I arrived at Barcelona. I have a lot of respect and admiration for him,” said Ronaldinho.

Ronaldinho wants Barcelona to face Luis Enrique’s PSG in the UCL final. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Continuing, he added: “He was a great player who became a great coach. He won everything at Barça and achieved great things with the Spanish national team.

“He will succeed with what he is building in Paris. He has developed a strong, attractive playing style. PSG are a team with enormous potential.”

Finally, Ronaldinho fondly recalled the 2006 Champions League final, which Barcelona won in Paris – and the celebration that followed.

“I remember it perfectly! That was the other trophy I highlight alongside the World Cup and my Ballon d’Or. It was the third major title of my career. And what’s more, it was in Paris,” reminisced Ronaldinho.

“We had a huge party afterwards! I spent part of the night in shorts, a swimsuit, and trainers in the restaurant and the club!” he laughed.