Hakimi challenges Yamal

Defender Achraf Hakimi is confident that PSG will be able to lock down Lamine Yamal in their Champions League qualifying match against Barcelona on the morning of October 2.

Yamal is a threat to PSG. Photo: Reuters .

"Yamal doesn't play on my wing, but he will face the best left-back in the world , Nuno Mendes," Hakimi said in a pre-match press conference. "Mendes has the ability to stop Yamal, as he has done against many attackers of similar style. Mendes has prepared well."

Previously, Yamal faced Mendes in the quarter-finals of the 2023/24 Champions League and caused many difficulties for the Portuguese defender. However, when he and the Spanish team faced Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final in June, Yamal encountered many difficulties and failed to make an impression on the opponent's defense.

Hakimi also emphasized that the collective factor is the key to helping PSG block Barca's dangerous explosive. He said: "Our strength lies in supporting each other. The whole team will try to help Mendes, not let him fall into a one-on-one situation, because we clearly understand Yamal's ability in those situations."

PSG entered the match with many losses in force when Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were all absent due to injury. On the other side, Barcelona did not have the service of Raphinha. In that context, Yamal was expected to become the main inspiration in the Catalan team's attack.

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Source: https://znews.vn/hakimi-thach-thuc-yamal-post1589776.html