The Barcelona icon praises Lamine Yamal as the “most talented footballer in the world”, according to Messi comparisons

Lamine Yamal’s rise to stardom is unprecedented. At a time when footballers only reach the elite around the age of 18, the The Farmhouse The star was a regular for club and country at just 16 years old.

Now, at the age of 17, he has already won the European Championship and is looking towards a great season with Barcelona, ​​which has been on fire under Hansi Flick.

In fact, the same teenager has five goals and as many assists in 11 games with Barcelona this year.

As the youngest Ballon d’Or nominee in history, it is clear that the youngster is no longer competing with prodigies of his age but with the best in the business. In fact, many already consider him the best in the world in his position.

Fàbregas praises Yamal

Speaking to ESPN in a recent interview, Barcelona and Spain legend Cesc Fàbregas was asked who he believed to be the most talented footballer in the world, to which he did not hesitate to name teenage phenom Yamal.

“I’d probably say Lamine Yamal because of the impact he’s having. When you have that kind of talent, that kind of quality, for me to see the freedom and how it expresses itself on the pitch, it’s great to see for the creativity”.

Explaining his choice, the former Barcelona and Arsenal star talked about how The Farmhouse The product always has the ability to make a difference and take responsibility for the team.

“I think he’s a unique talent. He’s somebody that you just have to let him go out there and play football. He’s always going to make a difference when he’s under pressure.”

“When he’s not under pressure, he always finds the right solution, whether it’s a one-on-one or a one-two or the last ball or continuing the play, whatever the game calls for at the time.” added his brilliance.

Fàbregas even praised Yamal for his maturity beyond his years and how he had a great understanding of the game situation.

“He’s able to read (a game) and he’s able to understand what he needs.”

Continuing on the theme of maturity, the Spanish legend gave his two cents on what made Yamal so consistent at the highest level despite his tender age.

“I think this is already a sign of a great player, a very mature player. And what I love most is that it feels like I’m playing in the street. Everything seems to have become so easy for him. It’s free in the mind.”

On the Yamal-Messi comparisons

“I can understand (comparisons with Messi)” he added about the constant comparisons made with his former teammate from Barcelona and the Ballon d’Or record.

The Como coach urged Yamal to open his own path and not try to follow in the footsteps of the players he compares himself to, thus writing his own destiny.

“I don’t like (the comparisons) because I think every player is different and we all have our own story. And now Lamine needs to go his own way and create his own path.”

“But there are definitely signs that always bring you back to what Leo (Messi) was. I think it’s completely normal, especially also the Barcelona fans who came from some difficult years where there were some difficulties”. he added.

He also admitted why he saw similarities between Yamal and Messi, saying: “So I think the excitement that Lamine brings to the table today is very important. It’s like Leo, you know, in difficult times stepped up for the team.”

Finally, he addressed the issue of the The Farmhouse potential of the star’s ceiling that is still quite untapped.

“And I think that with Lamine there is the potential to do very, very well for many years in Barcelona.”