Barcelona icon hails Lamine Yamal as the ‘most talented footballer in the world’, talks Messi comparisons

Lamine Yamal’s rise to stardom is quite unprecedented. At a time when footballers only break into the elite level around the age of 18, the La Masia star was a regular for club and country at just 16.

Now 17, he has already won the European Championships and is looking towards a great season with Barcelona who have been on fire under Hansi Flick.

In fact, the teenager himself has five goals and as many assists in 11 appearances for Barcelona this year.

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

Fabregas praises Yamal

Speaking to ESPN in a recent interview, Barcelona and Spain legend Cesc Fabregas was asked about who he felt was the most talented footballer in the world is, to which he did not hesitate in naming the teenage phenom Yamal.

“I would probably say Lamine Yamal for the impact that he’s having. When you have this type of talent, this type of quality, for me to see the freedom and how he expresses himself on the pitch, it’s fantastic to see because of the creativity.”

Elaborating on his choice, the former Barcelona and Arsenal star spoke on how the La Masia product always has the ability to make a difference and take up responsibility for the team.

“I think he’s a unique talent. He’s someone that you just need to let him go out and play football. He will always make a difference when he’s pressed.”

“When he’s not pressed, he always finds the right solution, even if it’s an individual action or a one, two, or the last ball, or give continuity to the play, whatever the game demands at that moment,” he added on his brilliance.

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

“He’s capable of reading [a game] and he’s capable of understanding what it needs.”

Staying on the topic 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 big player, of a very mature player. And what I like the most is that it feels like he’s playing in the street. It feels like everything has become so easy for him. He’s free in the mind.”

On Yamal-Messi comparisons

“I can understand it [comparisons with Messi],” he added on the constant comparisons drawn with his former Barcelona teammate and the record Ballon d’Or winner.

The Como manager then urged Yamal to pave his own way and not try to walk in the footsteps of players he is compared to, and to thus write his destiny.

“I don’t like it [comparisons] because I think every player is different and we all have our own story. And now Lamine needs to follow his road and create his own pathway.”

“But definitely there are signs that always make you go back to what Leo [Messi] used to be. I think it’s completely normal, especially also the Barcelona fans coming from a difficult period of years where there have been 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 nowadays, it’s very important. It’s like Leo, you know, in difficult times he stepped up for the team.”

Finally, he addressed the topic of the La Masia starlet’s ceiling potential which is still quite untapped.

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