Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall expects a tough battle against Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal when both players face-off in Tuesday night’s Champions League clash.
The English side host the Spanish champions in the first leg of the UCL Round of 16 clash at St James’ Park on Tuesday, with the return leg set to take place at the Camp Nou next week.
Barcelona were 2-1 winners when both sides clashed earlier in the season, with Yamal missing out with a groin injury while Hall was an unused substitute.
However, both players are expected to start Tuesday’s encounter and Hall will be tasked with handling the Barcelona teenage sensation.
“I think it goes without saying he’s a special talent”, Hall hailed Yamal’s talent.
“I’ve seen him play in enough Champions League games, I know what he’s about, so for me – if I was to be selected – I’d be really looking forward to it. I want to test myself against the best players in the world so there’s no better opportunity to do so than the game tomorrow.”
Newcastle eliminated Qarabag in the playoff rounds to book their spot in the Round of 16, while Barcelona qualified automatically after earning a top-eight finish during the league-phase.
The winner after both legs advances to the last eight, where either Tottenham Hotspur or Atletico Madrid will be awaiting.
“My relationship with him is no different to any other player”, Hall continued.
“I know the moments that he can produce, I know what he’s like as a player, but I think they’ve got so many different threats in their team so to single one individual out, as good of a player as he is, would be not a smart thing to do.”
Newcastle’s only defeat at home in the Champions League was against Barcelona and the Magpies will be hoping to avoid that result as they eye progress to the next round of the competition.
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