Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella says it’s “at all times tough” to play in opposition to “particular skills” like team-mate Estevao Willian and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
The 2 younger stars might face one another on Tuesday when the Blues host Barcelona at Stamford Bridge within the Champions League.
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It’s probably Spain full-back Cucurella will probably be in direct opposition to compatriot Yamal on Tuesday night with the 18-year-old boasting 4 targets and three assists in his previous 4 appearances for Barcelona.
Requested whether or not coaching with Estevao might assist his preparation to tackle Yamal, Cucurella joked: “I inform [Estevao] to place shin pads on in coaching as a result of I begin the coaching with him.”
He added: “However no, it is tough. These sort of gamers are at all times tough to play in opposition to as a result of they’ve a particular expertise, a whole lot of high quality.
“Tomorrow I believe just isn’t Yamal vs Cucurella – it is a massive recreation.
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“My team-mates will attempt to assist me and we have to have a giant recreation as a result of we need to win. It is a robust battle, however hopefully we are able to do our greatest and win the match.”
Regardless of having his enjoying time managed by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, summer season arrival Estevao has lit up the sphere when introduced on, most notably scoring a stoppage-time winner in opposition to within the Premier League.
He could also be new to English soccer however Estevao already has 5 targets in simply 11 appearances for his nationwide aspect Brazil and is drawing comparisons with Ballon d’Or runner-up Yamal.
“I believe each of them are actually very particular gamers,” Cucurella stated. “They’ve a whole lot of expertise. They at all times need the ball. They at all times attempt to do one on ones. They’re gamers [that] can determine video games.
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“I believe the one distinction in the mean time is Lamine has been enjoying in Europe for 2 or three seasons and Estevao is arriving this season – however he [Estevao] is doing very well.
“If he continues on this method, at this stage and bettering in all features, he can arrive to the Lamine Yamal stage.”