“He has the potential to be one of the best in history” - Ex-Manchester City star heaps praise on Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal

Former Manchester City star David Silva has heaped praise on fast-rising Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal. The retired midfield general believes that the 17-year-old has the potential to become one of the best players in the history of the sport.

Lamine Yamal has been the biggest revelation in European football over the last two seasons. Since making his debut for Barcelona as a 15-year-old in April 2023, the attacker has captivated football fans with his mesmerizing talent and incredible performances on the pitch.

The winger continues to move on an upward trajectory and has drawn praise from some of the biggest names in football including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and now David Silva. The former Manchester City midfielder heaped praise on the 17-year-old during an interview with Diario AS, saying:

“He [Yamal] is unlike anyone today. He is a very young footballer and yet he plays with tremendous self-confidence. Let’s hope it continues like this because he has the potential to be one of the best in history, although we already know that maintaining that level is complicated. But he has enormous talent and qualities.”

Lamine Yamal was part of Luis de la Fuente's Spain team that made history by winning the European Championship for a fourth time this summer. The team outclassed everyone on their way to claiming the trophy and David Silva feels they were fantastic in the tournament.

"They had a fantastic European Championship," the former Manchester City star continued. "With good football, dominating matches… They gave us tremendous joy. They deserved to win it from the first to the last game. De la Fuente has made a great human group, which is key to achieving success, with many young people, but also with necessary veterans."

Yamal finds himself on the same path as some fantastic talents like Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets who emerged from Barcelona's famed La Masia academy and established themselves at the pinnacle of the game.

Lamine Yamal's stats for Barcelona so far this season

Lamine Yamal has been a regular in Barcelona's starting XI this season, rising above any competition to establish himself as the undisputed figure on the right flank. His emergence has forced Raphinha to settle for a place on the left.

So far, the 17-year-old has featured in each of the Blaugrana's eight games across all competitions, recording four goals and five assists. That includes three goals and five assists in La Liga and one goal in the Champions League.

Thanks in part to his efforts, the Catalan giants currently sit at the top of the table in the Spanish top flight with 21 points in seven games. Up next, Hansi Flick's side will go head-to-head with Osasuna in league action today (September 28) and Yamal is expected to be in the line-up.