Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Barcelona's teenage talent, Lamine Yamal, is already more promising than Lionel Messi was at the same age.
Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has made a bold claim, stating that Barcelona's teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, is already showing more promise than Lionel Messi was at the same age.
17-year-old Yamal has quickly become a key player for Barcelona, emerging from the club's renowned La Masia academy, just like Messi.
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Yamal debuted for Barcelona's senior team in a LaLiga match in April 2023 and has swiftly established himself as a regular starter.
Yamal is ahead of Messi - Ferdinand
Ferdinand believes Yamal is currently ahead of where Messi was at a similar stage in his career.
"I love Lamine Yamal. What a player. That’s why I’m here today. I want to see him, I want to hug him,” Ferdinand exclaimed at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.
“I don’t want to say Lamine Yamal will become the best player of all time, but I think he can. Messi at this age? At 16?" Lamine influences matches, he’s decisive, he scores goals, he plays beautiful football, he’s magical. I love him. I love this player seriously." he said.
18:21 - 27.12.2024
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Lamine Yamal also played an important role in Spain's triumph at the 2024 European Championship, further solidifying his status as one of football's brightest young talents.