Samuel Umtiti only joined Barcelona in the summer but already feels he has become a better player thanks to the influence of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.
The French centre-half moved to Camp Nou from Lyon after impressing at Euro 2016, and he says training alongside the talented attacking trio has seen his game improve rapidly.
“[Being at Barcelona] changes me and I am very happy to be there,” the centre-back told a news conference. “It’s amazing [playing alongside Messi, Suarez and Neymar].
It is a pleasure to train with them every day. “They are exceptional. It makes me grow as well. You really are focused and apply yourself all the time.
“It is for all these reasons I went to Barcelona.” Umtiti has already established himself as a regular in the Barcelona defence, having managed 10 appearances in all competitions despite a four-match absence due to injury.
The Catalan giants are second in the La Liga standings at present, two points behind fierce rivals Real Madrid after 11 games.
Barcelona are 1.70 to win the La Liga title outright this season and 4.00 to reclaim the Champions League.
Umtiti, 22, is currently gearing up for France’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Sweden on Friday, as Les Bleus bid to move ahead of their visitors in the Group A standings. France are 1.25 to claim the win and 1.70 to win to nil.
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