Barcelona resurgence set for test against revitalised Atletico
FootballXavi Names 2 Barcelona Youngsters Who Can 'Define Era of World Football'
- Xavi has named two Barcelona teenagers who will rule world football
- Barcelona are a breeding ground for nurturing talented footballers
- The Catalans have produced legends like Lionel Messi and Andreas Iniesta
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has opened up on why teenage stars Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi could go on to 'define an era' of world football.
Yamal dazzled against Brazil in a friendly for Spain on Tuesday while Cubarsi made his debut for La Roja last week against Colombia and also featured against the five-time World Cup winners.
Both have become key pillars in a revived Barcelona side back in the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in four years and still holding some faint hopes of defending their La Liga title.
Yamal, 16, is Spain's youngest ever player and goalscorer, with 17-year-old Cubarsi the youngest ever defender to play for his country.
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"They have to maintain their level -- Barca is the highest rung of world football," Xavi said via Supersport.
"Many have arrived (at elite level), but maintaining it is very difficult, but they can, they have everything, the mentality, the capacity, I think we're looking at two players who can define an era at the club, and even in world football."
Xavi said winger Yamal was 'very calm' and mature for his age, despite exploding into the limelight.
"On a mental level I see him as a happy kid, a joker, he's enjoying it more and more, I see he is happy," added Xavi.
Barcelona, second, are eight points behind leaders Real Madrid in the top flight, but can cut the gap to five before Los Blancos face Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
After this weekend, Barcelona's next match will be Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on April 10 in the French capital.
PSG 'favourites' in Champions League clash: Barca coach Xavi
Football"I'm more worried about (Las Palmas) than the game against PSG, which is a fair few days away," continued Xavi.
"We're focussed on tomorrow, it's vital to gain three points to put more pressure on Real Madrid."
Yamal's market value compared to EPL stars
Sports Brief recently reported on the Premier League stars with lesser market value than Yamal.
The Barcelona youngster is now worth €75 million after impressing for the Spanish giants this season.
Among the players who have lesser value than the teen star in England are Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Bruno Fernandes.