Lamine Yamal is likely not the absolute best player globally *yet*. The mere fact that this statement is necessary for someone not even 18 highlights the extraordinary talent of this young star. As the critical final part of the season approaches, the coming weeks could see Yamal solidify his position, at minimum, as a leading candidate for the title of football`s next dominant figure after Lionel Messi.
Yamal`s performance this season would be remarkably impressive for a player of any age. Specifically in La Liga, he has distinguished himself as a standout performer. His 12 assists put him three clear of his closest competitor, Raphinha, and he also surpasses his teammate in expected assisted goals (xAG), a metric measuring the quality of scoring chances he directly sets up. When it comes to delivering the ball into critical penalty area positions, no one in the league does it as often as Yamal, with 83 such passes compared to Pedri`s second-place total of 68. He leads the league in both goal-creating and shot-creating actions – the statistics demonstrating his impact are extensive.
Put simply, this season, the 17-year-old has been the most effective creative player in Spain`s top football division.
A similarly strong argument can be made for his ability to advance the ball. Yamal plays a vital role in moving Barcelona into dangerous attacking zones, topping La Liga for successful dribbles and ranking second only to Vinicius Junior in carries that are both progressive and penetrate the penalty box.
Consider his recent goal against Borussia Dortmund in the 4-0 Champions League quarterfinal first-leg victory. After receiving a pass from Raphinha, he appeared to instinctively grasp that his slightly heavy first touch would allow Ramy Bensebaini to challenge for the ball. Realizing there was no time for a conventional shot and that pushing the ball away from the defender would narrow the angle and reduce momentum, Yamal instantly determined the optimal solution was a quick toe poke, directing the ball with such accuracy that goalkeeper Gregor Kobel could only watch in admiration. It bears repeating: he is only 17.
Furthermore, his repertoire includes numerous precise chips to the far post and exquisite outside-of-the-boot crosses, notably a remarkable 40-yard pass that created a clear scoring chance for Raphinha. Many more such moments occur as he charges down the wing at full speed. Even seasoned professionals rarely execute crosses with the consistent quality Yamal displays. This skill also indicates his rapidly developing tactical awareness, understanding how opponents attempt to defend him. Referencing the Euro 2024 semifinal goal, it`s clear that if defenders try to prevent him from cutting inside to shoot and force him down the flank, he can still effectively utilize his preferred foot.
Considering all these strengths, one might ask what prevents him from being a top Ballon d`Or contender right now. The primary area for improvement is his goal tally. While 14 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions is a respectable return, especially combined with 22 assists, his decision-making regarding shooting is where his youthfulness is most apparent. Like many young wingers, he tends to take shots from challenging positions – remembering the Euro 2024 goal, it`s understandable why he trusts his ability – resulting in many attempts that are, shall we say, ambitious. The accompanying graphic (referring to the original article`s graphic) illustrates this with numerous shots from outside the penalty area.
Given his evident composure and rapid improvement, it`s highly probable he will refine his shot selection relatively soon. Many coaches agree that teaching a player *when not* to shoot is simpler than encouraging a hesitant player to take shots. With an average of 4.19 shots per 90 minutes, yielding 0.31 expected goals (xG), Yamal certainly doesn`t lack the willingness to shoot.
Achieving a higher goal count and reducing unnecessary shots are arguably the final steps for Yamal to become a truly elite attacker. He might reach this level before turning 20. This impressive trajectory inevitably prompts the question: how does he stack up against football`s all-time legends at the same stage of their careers? Was he better at this age than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?
A direct comparison is difficult. During his age-17 season, Messi was less prominent, part of Frank Rijkaard`s dominant Barcelona squad but not yet the main star. Cristiano Ronaldo was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson just before turning 18. Even early breakthrough stars like Kylian Mbappe and Wayne Rooney showed brilliance only in bursts at this age. By his 18th birthday in July, Yamal could accumulate around 5,000 La Liga minutes and 24 Champions League appearances, potentially adding La Liga and Champions League titles to his Euro 2024 accolades.
To find players whose early achievements are somewhat comparable to Yamal`s at such a young age, one must look to the beginnings of South American football legends. Figures like Ronaldo Nazario were already tearing through defenses at Cruzeiro, Diego Maradona was earning the moniker El Pibe de Oro (“The Golden Boy”), and Pelé was setting major tournament records that Yamal`s current trajectory brings to mind.
Naturally, it will take close to two decades to truly assess if Yamal merits a place alongside these historical figures. While their careers were exceptional, the paths of players like Wayne Rooney and even, to a degree, the Brazilian Ronaldo, serve as cautionary tales about the potential challenges and pitfalls awaiting a player with immense early promise. Furthermore, the physical toll of playing so many senior minutes at such a young age cannot be overlooked.
Being on the verge of world-class status at 17 is one achievement; consistently maintaining that level for fifteen years, as genuine legends have done, is entirely another. Fortunately for Yamal, time is very much on his side.
