Lewis Hall could not help but smile.
Lamine Yamal has given defenders across the globe nightmares, but the Newcastle United left-back grinned at the prospect of coming up against the gifted Barcelona forward on Tuesday night.
"He's a special talent," he said before the first leg of Newcastle's last 16 Champions League tie at St James' Park.
"I've seen him play in enough Champions League games. I know what he's about.
"If I'm to be selected, I'm really looking forward to it. I want to test myself against the best players in the world so no better opportunity to do so."
Newcastle will need a similarly fearless approach to pull off a famous result, but they do not have to look too far for inspiration.
Hall was born seven years after Newcastle's memorable 3-2 win against Barcelona in 1997.
However, the boyhood Newcastle supporter needs no reminding about the night Tino Asprilla scored a hat-trick.
"I knew what an iconic moment that was," he said. "Tomorrow is going to be another opportunity where we can put in another performance that the fans and the club can look back on as a real turning point."
Hall's father, Colin, who passed on his love of the club, will be among those watching on proudly, knowing how far his son has come.
The defender endured a difficult adaptation period after leaving Chelsea and moving away from home for the first time in 2023.
Hall eventually found his feet at Newcastle, but he suffered a serious foot injury last season, which resulted in him missing the Carabao Cup final as his side ended a seven-decade wait to win a major domestic trophy.
But such challenges have only made the 21-year-old stronger.
"To now be playing in the round of 16 in the Champions League is incredibly special considering where I've come from," he added.
