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Julián Álvarez Forgets About Lamine Yamal and Praises Another Barcelona Player
During a relaxed chat with Argentine YouTuber Davo Xeneize, Julián Álvarez dropped a comment that did not go unnoticed in the football world.. The striker was asked to build an ideal XI based on nationalities, and when the Spanish flag appeared, he didn’t hesitate for a second.
“I’m going to choose Pedri,” he replied immediately. And when his interviewer gave him the chance to change his mind, he was even more emphatic:
“No, for me Pedri is one of the best players in the world.”
The praise carried extra weight given the context. Julián Álvarez has been linked to FC Barcelona for months, which led many to interpret his words as more than just a casual remark within a game.
The ideal XI and the absence of Lamine Yamal
The dynamic also produced an interesting detail. Álvarez explained that he couldn’t pick Lamine Yamal, one of Barça’s brightest young stars, because he had already selected Lionel Messi for that position—an unquestioned choice in his lineup.
The final XI he put together was: Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Gabriel Magalhães, Nuno Mendes; Moisés Caicedo, Pedri, Jude Bellingham; Messi, Lautaro Martínez and Messi.
Beyond the lighthearted tone of the video, the nod to Pedri once again highlights the enormous respect the Canary Island midfielder commands among elite footballers.
Rumors, inconsistent form, and a measured response
On the pitch, Julián Álvarez is going through an inconsistent spell. His last LaLiga goal came on November 1 against Sevilla, and he has yet to score in 2026. His most recent goal was in the Champions League on December 9.
Meanwhile, rumors of a possible departure from Atlético Madrid continue to circulate, although the player himself has tried to play them down. In an interview with Marca, he made his stance clear:
“I try not to look too much, but I know people talk… there’s more said on social media than what actually happens.”
Álvarez closed with a clear message: his focus is on continuing to grow and fighting for objectives with his club, while his words about Pedri continue to spark conversation around Barcelona.
