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Barcelona academy coach Oscar Lopez shared his opinion on one important quality of Lionel Messi that Lamine Yamal is yet to master. The teenager has been widely compared with Messi for his playmaking style and gameplay and expected to be the Argentine's successor at Barca.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Lopez spoke about Messi's ability to lead and control the team as an aspect Yamal needs to master.
“One of Messi’s great strengths, one of the many strengths that he had, was that he knew how to run the team. He knew how to make the team play, from a midfield position, or from that position on the right wing, going inside," the coach said.
The Barcelona academy coach continued:
"He knew when it was necessary for him to lead the team, when to accelerate the play, and when he had to say, ‘Hey, the team is not playing well today, but I am, so I am going to decide this game, I am going to break it open.’
"That is what I think Lamine still needs a little bit. But, over time, he is going to get it.”
Lamine Yamal is set to take up the number 19 jersey at Barcelona this season, a shirt that was worn by Messi at the club before he donned the iconic number 10 from 2008 to 2021.
The La Masia youngster's career began at the Barcelona academy, much like Messi. Yamal's exceptional ball control, dribbling abilities and creative gameplay have been compared with a younger Messi's, especially after his sensational performances in Spain's triumphant Euro 2024 campaign.
When Lamine Yamal spoke about being compared with Lionel Messi
During his Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, Lamine Yamal, on Radioestadio Noche, discussed his role with La Roja and comparisons with Lionel Messi at such a young age.
Yamal said that Messi is the best player in history, dismissing comparisons with the Argentine legend yet, but hopes to emulate even a part of Messi's success.
"He is the best player in history and being compared to him is incredible, but it has nothing to do with him. There is no one who can compare to him, and let alone me, who has just started. I wish I could have half of his career," Yamal said.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has also spoken highly of the Barcelona youngster. After he won a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or in 2023, La Pulga named Yamal as one of the players who could win the coveted award someday.
"I also think that Lamine Yamal, who is still very young and plays for Barcelona, will play a prominent role and fight for (the Ballon d'Or) in the future too," Lionel Messi said. (via L'Equipe)
Yamal will look to reach new heights under new Barca boss Hansi Flick as the 2024-25 season gets underway.
