Barcelona wonderkid has ‘everything to be a great player’, claims ex-defender

Sylvinho had a brief but significant stint at Barcelona, having joined the Catalan giants as a left-back in 2004. During his time as a player, the Brazilian was known for his attacking prowess and solid defensive capabilities.

Sylvinho was part of Barcelona’s 2009 sextuple-winning team. Apart from Barça, he played for Corinthians, Arsenal, Celta, and Manchester City before retiring in 2010. Now, he coaches the Albanian national team heading into their second European Championship.

Praise for Yamal

Speaking to AS (h/t Mundo Deportivo), the coach hinted at Lamine Yamal being a major threat in the upcoming Euros and that he has a bright future ahead of him.

“Yamal has everything to be a great player, perhaps one of the best in the world, left-footed, fast, with goals and the ability to provide assists… And still very young, he will be a danger for us, of course,” he commented.

Yamal can be one of the best in the world, says Sylvinho (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)

Although Yamal has drawn many comparisons with Lionel Messi, Sylvinho claims that likening him to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner may be a step too far.

“Comparing him with Messi are big words, I tell you that I played for some years alongside Leo,” he professed.

Touching on Xavi’s dismissal

Sylvinho praised his former teammate Xavi Hernandez, who was recently sacked by Barcelona.

The 50-year-old coach acknowledged that managing a club as big as Barcelona is not for the faint-hearted, noting that managers often fall victim to a lack of patience.

“Xavi is a charming person and a great coach. There is La Liga that he won last year. But it is true that Barça is a difficult team to manage, due to its greatness.

“I think that in football there is little patience and no attention is paid to the legacy. It is easier to say about someone ‘they have failed,” he said.