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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"channelId":"92686d1e-5985-40e1-80f3-6f5a54f55b39","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Barcelona host Atletico Madrid</li><li>Simeone singles out Barca star</li><li>"One of the best players" in La Liga</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Diego Simeone picks out Barcelona star as 'one of the best players in La Liga' as Atletico Madrid prepare for top-of-the-table clash with Hansi Flick's leaders

Champions League

Benfica

Barcelona

Atletico Madrid

Bayer Leverkusen

<p>La Liga leaders Barca host second-placed Atletico on Saturday in a crunch encounter. Ahead of that match, manager Simeone has singled out Raphinha as a top-class talent in the division.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>He told <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/atletico-madrid/20241220/1002374618/barcelona-juega-raphinha-mejores-laliga.html" target="_blank">Mundo Deportivo</a>: "We’re facing a team that is playing very well, I like the youth they have in the middle of the pitch with kids who play very good football. Raphinha is one of the best players in La Liga – for his bravery and his way of playing.”</p>

WHAT DIEGO SIMEONE SAID

<p>Barca are only top of the league by goal difference and Atletico have a game in hand on Hansi Flick's side. The Blaugrana have won just one of their last six games whereas the Madrid outfit have notched 11 victories in a row in all competitions. With <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lamine-yamal-concern-barcelona-doctor-verdict-latest-injury/blt6d25b8625b3f03e7" target="_blank">Lamine Yamal out injured</a>, Raphinha - who is in the form of his life - will have to be at his best to secure Barca a much-needed victory. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Barca captain Raphinha, who has scored 17 goals and bagged 10 assists in 24 games this season, will lead his side against Atletico at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday night. </p>

WHAT NEXT?

Diego Simeone picks out Barcelona star as 'one of the best players in La Liga' as Atletico Madrid prepare for top-of-the-table clash with Hansi Flick's leaders | Goal.com

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has named a Barcelona star as &quot;one of the best players in La Liga&quot; ahead of their crunch top of the table clash.

Diego Simeone picks out Barcelona star as &apos;one of the best players in La Liga&apos; as Atletico Madrid prepare for top-of-the-table clash with Hansi Flick&apos;s leaders