Liverpool boss Arne Slot declares Lamine Yamal and Raphinha admiration as Barca warned

manager has admitted that he 'admires' and Raphinha. The Dutchman, speaking ahead of this Sunday's clash with , was asked for his take on sporting director Deco that he is a fan of Reds winger Luis Diaz.

And he took his opportunity to send a sly warning by hinting that admiring a player and signing them are two completely different things. "Every club has their own way of doing things," said Slot. "You are used to the fact that I don't talk about other players we have not signed.

"I understand that he is a big admirer of Luis Diaz - so am I! Deco admires a few players - so do I. I like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha."

Yamal and Raphinha are two of Barca's prized assets, and both players are in the running to win this year's Ballon d'Or. Yamal has contributed to 22 La Liga goals this campaign at just 17 years old, and Raphinha has contributed to a staggering 21 in the Champions League alone.

Whether Slot stands a realistic chance of landing the high-flying pair is another matter. Yamal and Raphinha are believed to be bound by contracts containing . Diaz, on the other hand, has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona.

One of the stars who could thwart the Barca pair's Ballon d'Or ambitions is man . The Egyptian's league numbers are far superior to those of both players, but his chances could be hurt by the fact the Reds 'only' won one trophy and crashed out in the Champions League round of 16.

Slot said: "I have a lot [of hopes] for him, he's had very good seasons at but this one probably stands out in terms of numbers and because we won the league. So that gives him a chance.

"Unfortunately he is not the only great player out there, but if there is ever a chance for him [to win it] then it is this season. If not then he will push harder next season.

"Individual performances improving would be close to impossible for Mo but the elite mentality he has means he is never happy. As a team we can do a bit better. We played for four trophies and 'only' won one. The hardest one [the Premier League]."