'A game-changer’: Xavi heaps praise on two Barca youngsters after Rayo Vallecano win

Xavi was delighted with what he saw from the Barcelona players in their 3-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday (May 19).

After the performance, he heaped praise on Lamine Yamal and Pedri for their goal contributions. Xavi remarked: “With Lamine Yamal, everyone can see that he’s 16 years old, but he’s a game changer. It’s marvelous. We have to enjoy him for many years to come.

“Scoring goals is the best way for Pedri to gain confidence. And when you score twice, you feel good. He needs to get back the spark he had before the injury, but he’s a game-changer. Everything is better when Pedri has the ball.”

Yamal played a huge role in setting up Robert Lewandowski’s opening goal with an amazing cross. Pedri came on in the second half and produced a fantastic super-sub outing by scoring a clinical brace to seal the big win.

Barca ends their 2023/24 season with a trip to Sevilla at the weekend. Going by Xavi’s words, both Yamal and Pedri are primed to start that game.

Lamine – 8, Inigo – 2: Rating Barca players in Rayo win

Pedri after TWO goals in 3 minutes: 'I wanted to score a hat-trick'