Pep Guardiola: Barcelona Are Lucky to Have Lamine Yamal
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised young Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, saying the club is “very lucky” to have such a special talent.
Since Lionel Messi left the club in 2021, Barcelona have been searching for a new superstar. Now, Guardiola believes they may have found one in 16-year-old Yamal.
Speaking to DAZN, Guardiola said, “His way of understanding football is surprising for someone his age. We’re very lucky, aren’t we, Barça? To have found another boy with this kind of football brain.”
Guardiola was clear that he wouldn’t compare Yamal to Messi. “I’m not going to say he’s like Leo, sorry. For me, no one will ever be like the Argentine. It’s just not possible,” he said.
He went on to praise Yamal’s decision-making and maturity on the pitch. “That kind of understanding of the game normally comes at 23, 24 or 25. Some talented players think they must do something amazing every time, like always shooting from distance like Curry in basketball. But it’s not always like that. Sometimes it’s just one simple touch, then wait, then pass again, then make the right move to win the game.”
Yamal recently impressed again by helping Spain beat France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024. His performance led Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, to call for Yamal to be given the Ballon d’Or.
