Barrett, who is expected to wear the No 12 jersey for New Zealand, believes facing the double World Cup winner will be a true measure of his own game.
The 27-year-old has crossed paths with De Allende on several occasions, including both Tests between the sides last year, and admits the South African's consistency and durability make him one of the toughest opponents in world rugby.
"Damian is unbelievable," Barrett told the Aotearoa Rugby Podcast when asked about the Bok star, whom the two Kiwi hosts described as "one of our favourite players."
"When I think of him, I use the word balance. He's just such a well-balanced individual, ball carrier, tough, strong defender, just does everything right.
"He has a big engine. He doesn't miss any games, he's always fit and healthy, durable, and an unbelievable player.
"I feel like he will get the best out of me, too."
De Allende is set to earn his 91st Test cap for his country when the two sides face off in Auckland and Barrett believes that the Springbok has set the standard for what is required of an international level number 12.
"He has set the marker as a midfielder, a 12, for a number of years," he added.
"So it'll be an intriguing challenge if I'm given the opportunity to go up against Damian, whom I respect."
If De Allende is to be named in the starting lineup is likely to link up with Jesse Kriel, with the pair extending their record as the most capped Springbok centre partnership of all-time. The duo have linked up 37 times in the green and gold jersey previously, which eclipsed Jean de Villiers and Jacque Fourie's record of 29.
De Allende also features in the third most capped partnership with Lukhanyo Am, who missed out on the Rugby Championship squad through injury, with the pair linking up in 28 Test matches.
Barrett is also set to go up against his now former Leinster teammate, RG Snyman, who spoke highly of the All Blacks back ahead of the encounter.
"We've had a nice season at Leinster, and it was good to get to know him a little better," Snyman told reporters on Monday.
"He's a great rugby player and meant a lot to us at Leinster, just as he does for the All Blacks. I'm looking forward to seeing him from the other side of the field again."
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