Barcelona midfielder Gavi believes his team-mate Lamine Yamal is one of the world’s best players, placing him just behind the legendary Lionel Messi. The teenage winger enjoyed a breakout summer at Euro 2024 and has continued to shine for the Catalan club.
Despite Barcelona’s shaky league form since November, which sees them sitting third in La Liga, they’ve been formidable in cup competitions. Hansi Flick’s team are second in the Champions League table and stormed into the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a 5-1 thrashing of Real Betis.
While Barcelona’s attack boasts names like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, Yamal has been turning heads with his performances. After winning the Euros with Spain, the 17-year-old has notched nine goals and 12 assists in 27 appearances for Barcelona. Following his scintillating performance against Betis, Gavi couldn’t help but mention club legend Messi.
“For me, he is the best in the world, second only to Messi,” Gavi told Sport, yet he was quick to dismiss any direct comparisons. “Lamine is very good, the best at the moment. But it’s silly to compare him with Messi because there will only be one.
“Messi is unique. Just like there will only be one Xavi, one Iniesta or one Busquets. We have to make our own way. Lamine is the best right now, and I hope he continues like that.”
Yamal’s career seems to be on an unstoppable upward trajectory, confirmed by Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, who added: “I have enjoyed Lamine for many years, and now everyone is enjoying him.”
The connection between Yamal and Messi is seemingly inescapable. From posing in a photo shoot with Messi as an infant to taking over his iconic no. 10 jersey, Yamal’s footsteps trace those of the fellow La Masia graduate. Messi himself has recognised the resemblance, professing that Yamal is the footballer who most mirrors his younger self.
“There’s a very good generation of young footballers who have many years ahead of them,” he said in December. “If I have to choose someone, because of the age and because of the future that he has, I’ve heard that they have chosen Lamine Yamal and without doubt [it’s him] for me, too.
“I agree it depends on him and many things because that’s how soccer is, but he’s the present and without a doubt has a huge future.”
In the world of football, having a talented team-mate can make all the difference in a game. And for me, I am fortunate enough to play alongside the world’s second-best player – only Lionel Messi is better.
Having such a skilled player on my team is truly a blessing. Their ability to dribble past defenders with ease, score goals with precision, and create opportunities for their teammates is unparalleled. Every time they step onto the field, you know that something magical is about to happen.
Playing alongside the world’s second-best player has pushed me to elevate my own game. Their work ethic, determination, and passion for the sport serve as an inspiration to me and the rest of the team. We all strive to match their level of excellence and contribute to the team’s success.
While Messi may be considered the best player in the world, having the second-best player on my team is something truly special. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from them, compete alongside them, and witness their greatness on a daily basis. Together, we make a formidable duo that strikes fear into our opponents.
I am proud to call them my team-mate and honored to share the field with such a talented individual. With their skills and leadership, I have no doubt that we can achieve great things in the world of football.
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- World’s best
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