If you were born in Catalunya in the Messi era than yes, he was the godfather. Not everyone got to meet him, though.
Lamine Yamal | Now 17 Year Old Barca Wonderkid
- Thread starter Hoof the ball
- Start date
No, that's a photo from Yamal's baptism where Messi was the priest
He’s not really the priest, rather cult figure, hence the blessing
That is so random. Yamal was once bathed by Messi
He’s going to be completely fecked by injuries within 3 years.
Barca will run him into the ground.
I hope he assists France out of the tournament.
Yep will be another ansu fati. Career wrecked by too much football too soon. Knee gets injured. Barcelona rush him back and he injured same knee again and all down hill from there.
How much?
This kid is genuinely insane. Even if he breaks down early and peaks at 20 he will be such a r problem
sublime
Looks great but Barcelona have a habit of running these kids into the ground by the time they’re 23. Let’s see how he develops
Probably has a €1bn clause. If not, he’ll have one within the next month
We have Spurs to thank for giving him the opportunity to destroy them in that preseason match last summer. Who knows if he'd have gotten these chances without that match.
He’s on another level to the Fati’s and Gavi’s, though. This guy is club and country best attacker at 16!
He might have salvaged this tournament.
I don’t know. Everyone has a great breakout season but we haven’t seen him up against an experienced fullback who will show him outside all game or put a couple of reducers on him. He’s great, he’s only 16 but he’ll have to develop to become world class. I’m looking forward to following him next season, seeing how he does in the big games.
BBC commentary already have him as better than Pele. That’s all I need.
What's this guys potential? Is he a Figo level talent or a tier above?
Like a semi final against the second most recent World Cup holders?
One thing I like about him so far is how often he has hit really good crosses into the box. Instead of being a cut inside and shoot far post drone winger. He mixes it up. Need more wingers like that for the spectacle.
I would like to see him against Argentina too
Best right winger in the world. At 16.
I’d take him over Saka, Rodrygo etc.
I’d take him over Saka, Rodrygo etc.
Yeah I've noticed his crossing is excellent. Great technique and always into a dangerous area.
I agree with you about showing caution as he is only 16 but I’m not sure I understand the bit about “experienced” fullbacks? He’s played against them plenty. Not just during this tournament but also through all of this and last season with his club as well. It’s exactly that decision making, maturity and high football IQ (combined with his talent) for such a youngster which is probably why people are getting carried away.
How long before Wenger pops up claiming he once tried to sign him?
Yes, he’s the only player in the history of the world to have a good summer tournament.
Antony ?
Insane how mature and calm he is as a player. That's the decision making of a 30 year old, except he's fecking 16. So unselfish
… how many were doing it at 16? Stop being obtuse.
Jack Wilshire looked immense at 16 and his career dwindled into mediocrity. You'd hope they would manage his game time in a way they didn't Pedri in order to ensure his longevity.
Yeah someone said the other day that he’s Mainoo like in his calmness. I think he’ll go on to be world class if he can stay clear of injuries and Barcelona don’t ruin him by making him play every minute.
Still got a long way to go to displace Toni Kroos.
Jack Wilshire was massively overrated
Best comparison is probably to Wayne Rooney if he didn't get injured in that Euro 2004 quarter-final.
Quite hard to tell at this point. Development isn’t linear but by the eye test I’d say somewhere near Rooney, maybe a whisker away. Wazza was a specimen as well though; and a different player stylistically.
No he wasn't
he was ruined by injuries though so never realised his potential.No he wasn't
He was absolutely overrated. Good first touch and decent dribbling, but beyond that he didn't offer even as much as Aaron Ramsey
"The maravilla Kid"
Yeah his decision making is what stands out. Very mature, like Mainoo essentially. I don’t watch Barca as much anymore but I think they’ve had Raphinha there to at least switch between them and give him a break, but again, not sure re his minutes versus say, Gavi/Pedri etc.
Hoping the likes of him, Musiaila, Mainoo etc all stay injury free so we can appreciate their talents.