Former Benfica star talks Flick, Lamine, Raphinha, Pedri – ‘I prayed to God for him…’ | OneFootball

Former Benfica midfielder Javi Garcia has shared his thoughts on Barcelona’s upcoming clash against the Portuguese club in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

With the first leg set to take place at Benfica’s home ground, Garcia believes the tie is far more balanced than many might expect.

In his opinion, Benfica have every reason to believe they can secure a strong result at home, which could put them in a solid position for the return leg in Barcelona.

While the second leg will be difficult, he is confident that Benfica’s performance at home will give them a fighting chance of advancing.

“I see it quite evenly matched… I even see Benfica as favourite. When you see such a favourite opponent. Benfica have a lot of pride and the crowd is really tight.

“What I’m sure of is that they’ll get a very good result at home. I can smell it… Then in the second game in Barcelona, they’ll have a hard time, but they’ll get through the tie,” he told SPORT.

Dealing with Barcelona’s attack

Javi Garcia is in awe of Pedri. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

One of the main concerns for Benfica will be dealing with Barcelona’s attacking talent. Garcia highlighted key players like Raphinha, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal as major threats.

“Raphinha is amazing, Lamine, Pedri… it’s not normal how this kid plays, he’s so beautiful.”

He was particularly impressed by Pedri, acknowledging his incredible ability and intelligence on the pitch. Over the years, Pedri has already demonstrated his quality at both club and international levels.

“He had already shown that he was a great player, these years ago, in the national team.

“Thank God, because I was really one of those who said when he started with injuries that he should please recover.

“I prayed to God for him to not have any more injuries, that he could not be another case of a player who has a good year or two and then gets lost, I could see that he was special.

“It’s amazing to see a player with that apparently weak physique, which at first glance may seem very weak, but he is very strong. I’m in love with him,” he added.

On Lamine Yamal

Garcia also praised Lamine Yamal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Lamine Yamal also caught Garcia’s attention, with the former Benfica star describing him as a future Ballon d’Or winner.

“It is impressive. What fascinates me, that he is a phenomenon of a kid and that he will undoubtedly win the Golden Ball, is that being such a young player he has that poise, that confidence.”

He is amazed by the teenager’s composure, especially under pressure, and the confidence he displays despite his young age.

According to Garcia, few players possess such maturity at an early stage of their careers, making Lamine a truly unique talent.

“You see him play, before and after the games, and he neither rejoices when he is doing well nor complains too much when he is doing badly, he always maintains a calmness that I have not seen in any other player.”

Utilising La Masia

Garcia appreciated Hansi Flick’s work. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Garcia also acknowledged how previous managers placed trust in youngsters like Gavi, while Hansi Flick has given opportunities to players such as Pau Cubarsi and Marc Casado.

He praised Flick for adapting to the club’s philosophy and recognising the potential within La Masia.

“I have a very good feeling about Flick. When I see him on the bench, in the press conference, he tries to soak up the culture.

“He knows that he has always been like that and he is a brave guy who sees that the players are of a high level and bets on them.”

As Barcelona prepare to face Benfica, it is clear that they cannot underestimate their opponents. With Benfica’s strong home form and Barcelona’s emerging young stars, this tie promises to be an intriguing contest.