Lamine Yamal delivered another standout performance during Barcelona`s recent match, proving he is not just a future star but a top talent playing today.
Yamal was central to Barcelona`s effective attack, taking four shots and creating two scoring opportunities as they netted three goals. The 17-year-old had a significant personal highlight, scoring in the 24th minute with a moment of solo skill that initiated Barcelona`s rally from being two goals behind. This match was just one more instance where Yamal`s play astonished observers, including football legend Thierry Henry.
Speaking on the post-match analysis show, Thierry Henry commented, “What I saw from Lamine Yamal tonight… it`s simply not normal for someone at 17. It`s not just his ability with the ball; it`s his situational awareness, his composure, his understanding of the game, even how he tracks back and applies pressure. It`s truly extraordinary. We discussed him already having played 100 senior games at his age. It`s hard to fathom. I`m struggling to fully comprehend what I`m witnessing. He played with intense determination, like `a man possessed,` though technically he`s not even an adult yet. It`s just phenomenal.”
Statistics support Henry`s view that Yamal is performing at an exceptional level for his age group. In his initial 100 senior club matches, he has contributed 50 goals and assists (22 goals, 28 assists). This total is close to Lionel Messi`s 56 (41 goals, 15 assists) at the same 100-game point and significantly surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo`s 27 (13 goals, 14 assists). Both Messi and Ronaldo reached their 100-game milestone at an older age than Yamal, and Messi had only played seven times for Barcelona by the age Yamal is now.
His impressive, record-breaking form is complemented by his entertaining skills, a quality he proudly identifies as a key characteristic of his playing style.
Yamal stated in an interview, “I enjoy playing in a way that brings pleasure to others.”
Yamal`s collection of trophies is also remarkable for his age; he played a vital part in Spain`s European Championship victory last year and was instrumental again in Barcelona`s Copa del Rey win on Saturday. If Barcelona manages to achieve the treble – which remains a strong possibility given their La Liga position and continued presence in the Champions League – Yamal would be a fully deserving recipient of those honors. He is rapidly establishing himself as one of the top players currently active, effectively stepping into the void left as Messi and Ronaldo approach the end of their legendary careers.
Henry continued, “Something that consistently fascinates me about football is how you believe it`s impossible for someone to surpass players like Messi or Ronaldo. Then someone like Yamal emerges. And there`s also a new talent in Argentina, [Franco] Mastantuono from River Plate, who recently won the derby against Boca Juniors with a free kick. That`s the beauty of football. There will be another player we`re discussing in just two or three years who isn`t even widely known yet. But it`s astonishing to consider what a 17-year-old is doing. I believe I was 17 when I made my professional debut. What he`s accomplishing is just unbelievable, genuinely abnormal. However, it`s wonderful to witness the arrival of a new talent, a potential future star who looks set to dominate. I hope that comes true for him. Let`s refrain from burdening him with pressure or declaring he`s already on the path to surpassing everyone.”
Jersey Swap Request?
Towards the conclusion of the interview, Henry mentioned he would be in Barcelona for El Clasico in May and expressed his desire to get Yamal`s jersey for his son. Yamal happily agreed, but asked Henry in return if he could bring one of his own jerseys, specifying that either a Barcelona or Arsenal shirt would be fine.
