"He would play for the best Barca teams in history" - Barcelona director makes big claim about teenage star Lamine Yamal

Barcelona director Deco has made bold claims about 17-year-old La Masia graduate Lamine Yamal in a recent interview. At a young age, Yamal has garnered the praises of pundits and fans alike due to his consistent performances.

Apart from being significant to Barca's success, Lamine Yamal was key to Spain's victory in the 2024 Euros this summer. The youngster has held onto his fantastic form in the current season, with one goal and four assists for the Catalan giants in four La Liga appearances.

Speaking of Yamal, sporting director Deco claimed that the youngster has managed to find success at a young age due to his immense mental strength. He said via Barca Universal:

"More than his technical talent, Lamine Yamal is very strong from a mental point of view. That is what sets him apart from the others. He doesn't feel the weight of representing Barca and the national team on the big stages. He would play for the best Barca teams in history."

Lamine Yamal's exceptional ball control and immaculate dribbling skills led him to be widely compared to the former greats of Barcelona, including Lionel Messi and Neymar. The youngster was also nominated for the Ballon d'Or for the first time this year while being a top contender to win the 2024 Kopa Trophy.

With massive financial woes, Barca are relying on their academy talents such as Yamal, Fermin Lopez, and Pau Cubarsi to help them compete at the highest level once again.

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When Lamine Yamal addressed being compared to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi

In a recent interview with France Football, Lamine Yamal addressed his frequent comparisons to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi. As a primarily left-footed attacker frequently playing in the right wing, it was inevitable for the Spaniard to be compared to the Argentine.

Yamal said (via Barca Blaugranes):

"For me the most important thing is to leave a legacy, to have your career. In the end, being compared to Leo is more important than not looking at it."

The La Masia graduate continued:

“It is true that if you are compared to the best player in history it is because you are doing things well. It doesn’t bother me, obviously, but I try to always be myself.”

Yamal went on to name former Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Neymar as his idols. The youngster harbored a special love for Neymar, claiming he took inspiration from the Brazilian by watching his videos as a child.

Amid the comparisons, Messi also vouched for Yamal to pick up the coveted Ballon d'Or one day in an interview with L'Equipe in October 2023. The Argentine legend named the youngster, among a few other players, who could lift the coveted award one day.