David Villa talks Barcelona spell, Lewandowski, Isak, Haaland, Lamine – ‘Extraordinary player’ | OneFootball

In an exclusive interaction with Mundo Deportivo, David Villa has offered his thoughts on Barcelona’s form under Hansi Flick as well as Lamine Yamal.

The former Spanish striker also reminisced on his time at Barça while also talking about Robert Lewandowski’s future replacement at the club.

On his spell at Barcelona

Villa played for Barcelona from 2010 to 2013, during which he featured in 119 competitive matches, racking up 48 goals and 24 assists.

Speaking about his Barcelona past, Villa said, “It was one of the best stages of my life. I have fond memories of each and every year. I indeed had an injury which was the most important of my career, but I experienced it as a learning experience.

“I have great memories of my time at Barcelona and I am proud to have been at Barça for three wonderful years.”

Villa went on to talk about the stunning goal he scored in 2011, in the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United.

Recalling the goal, Villa said, “It was my best goal, the best I’ve ever scored in my entire career. It’s one of the best games I’ve ever played in, and I’ll always remember it.

“The years fly by and it drives you crazy to see how fast time goes by, but the truth is that it was one of the best moments of my sporting career.”

During his time at Barcelona, Villa played under Pep Guardiola and alongside some of the greatest players in football history, including Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta.

“It was amazing! When it became known that Valencia had to sell me, the best decision was to go to Barça. I wanted to be at a club like that, with a team like that, with such a good coach and players.

“I really enjoyed it, especially the first season. It was amazing. That year we won practically everything: La Liga, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup. We only lost one game and it was wonderful,” he said.

David Villa on current Barcelona squad

After looking back fondly on his time at Barcelona, David Villa offered his thoughts on the current Barcelona setup under Hansi Flick.

David Villa enjoys legendary status at Barcelona (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“I think Barça have had some great moments, and are now going through another great phase. It is a solid, offensive team, it has played some great games, and it looks incredible. Those of us who are culés are having a great time,” he said.

Villa acknowledged Barcelona’s poor form during the end of last year, but feels delighted that the club are now out of the rut.

However, the former striker warned that Barcelona must focus as we approach the final phase of the campaign.

“There was, of course, a moment of depression during the season, but that is normal and, despite this, it has been a fantastic year,” he said.

“Now the squad is having a great moment in La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, and everything is looking very good.

“The most important thing is coming, which is the end of the season, when the grades are handed out, the final ‘spring’, and I see Barça very prepared. I think it is going to be a great year. I am very happy as a Barça fan,” he added.

On the future of Barcelona’s attack

Despite Barcelona’s superb attacking form this season, there has been much chatter around the future of the club’s frontline, especially with Robert Lewandowski being in the final phase of his career.

Weighing his thoughts on the matter, Villa said, “Barça always have to reinvent themselves and sign forwards and we can’t forget that Lewandowski is getting older, it annoys me that people talk about that, but that’s how it is.”

“All in all, he’s the top scorer and we have to stay calm because Lewandowski is here for a long time, he’s showing it on the pitch,” he added.

Villa went on to heap praise on Lewandowski for scoring 34 goals this season, despite his age.

“He is a fantastic footballer and striker. He has shown this throughout his career. I don’t like to look at age because everyone has their own performance on the pitch beyond what their ID indicates,” he said.

“But you get to an age where we have all suffered, you start to get injured and your body no longer responds the same, but Lewandowski is a beast, you see it every day. He plays a lot of games and is in fantastic physical shape.”

“Let’s not look at his ID because his present is very good and he is having a great season for himself and for the interests of Barça. He is very good and it is clear that he has confidence,” he added.

David Villa has immense respect for Lewandowski (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

When asked about Lewandowski’s potential replacement in the years to come, Villa sarcastically mentioned Erling Haaland, admitting that Manchester City won’t let him go easily.

“There are many. It’s not just what would fit, it’s also what could be signed. There are very good strikers,” he noted.

“Isak is a very good player and knows La Liga. Haaland comes to mind as a centre-forward but I don’t know if City would let him go when they just renewed his contract.

Interestingly, Barcelona have been linked with a move for both, with Isak, in particular, emerging as a real option for the club next summer.

“There are many strikers and any of them would want to play for Barça. I’m sure the club will do a fantastic job in signing Lewandowski’s replacement when necessary,” he said.

Villa on Lamine Yamal

Aside from Robert Lewandowski, Villa also had high praise for Barcelona’s attacking superstar Lamine Yamal, admitting that the 17-year-old is destined for great things.

“He is an extraordinary player. One of those players who comes out every so often. He is incredible not only for what he shows on the pitch but for his age and for how long he has been doing it.

“At that age, it is difficult to lead Barça and the national team. We are dealing with an extraordinary player! From there, I think we have to help him. It is important that we protect him, that we have patience with him because he is a 17-year-old boy,” he said.

Extending his praise on Yamal, Villa even said that the young teenage prospect has no ceiling.

“We have to enjoy him, help him, guide him and be aware that, despite being extraordinary and that we are lucky that he was born in our time and we can enjoy him, he is 17 years old and we have to look after him.

“I think he is going to mark an era. I am not saying it, he is showing it. And from what I see on the pitch, it is difficult to find a ceiling for him, we have to wait to see how far he goes, but I think he has no ceiling and that he is extraordinary,” he added.

David Villa on upcoming matches

Finally, David Villa talked about Barcelona’s upcoming schedule, with key matches against SL Benfica and Atletico Madrid coming up.

On the Benfica tie this midweek, Villa said, “I played at Benfica and we won 0-2, but we have the most recent game, this year in the Champions League (4-5) and it was a great game.

“I don’t think it will be a similar game but it will be a match between two attacking teams and there will be goals. I think Barça has the advantage, they are the favourites and they have to prove it on the pitch. The atmosphere, however, will be more favourable for the home team.”

On Barcelona’s upcoming schedule, including matches against Atletico Madrid in both La Liga and Copa Del Rey, Villa said, “Now the key part of the competitions begins. It is difficult to get to this situation and Barça are there fighting for everything. It is going to be two crazy months.

“You only have to look at the first leg of the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey (4-4), it was a great game in every sense for both teams, I have affection for them and the return leg at the Metropolitano is going to be equally spectacular, for sure.”