Lamine Yamal is indeed Barcelona’s standout player, second only to Lionel Messi. As he deftly maneuvered around two Real Madrid defenders, slotting the ball just inside the post, fans couldn’t help but feel echoes of Messi’s iconic style returning to the Camp Nou.
Despite still wearing dental braces, this teenage sensation has quickly become a nightmare for rival teams. His remarkable speed, creativity, and stunning finishes from Messi’s former territory on the right wing have made him a formidable force on the pitch.
Yamal has been a key player in Barcelona’s recent dominant performances, contributing significantly to their 5-2 victory over Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final and a 5-1 rout of Real Betis in the Copa del Rey.
Beyond his impressive goal tally, it’s Yamal’s effortless grace with the ball that draws comparisons to Barcelona’s legendary forward. He glides past defenders with ease, reminiscent of Messi, who often left opponents grasping at air. Both players possess an extraordinary left-footed scoring ability, whether it’s a powerful long-range shot or a delicate finish in tight spaces, as seen in Yamal’s recent goal against Madrid.
“After Lionel Messi, he is our best player,” stated Barcelona midfielder Gavi, highlighting Yamal’s contributions after he assisted and scored the final goal against Betis.
At just 16, Yamal made history as La Liga’s youngest scorer and became Spain’s youngest player to score in the European Championship last summer, where he also netted the tournament’s standout goal in the semifinals.
This season, Yamal leads La Liga with nine assists among his 13 overall contributions, alongside nine goals across all competitions.
His impact extends beyond personal achievements, as he has significantly aided teammates Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, who together have scored 46 goals. Yamal’s playmaking skills and ability to draw defenders create vital opportunities for his fellow attackers.
“I have enjoyed watching Lamine for years, and now everyone is recognizing his talent. He truly deserves the praise,” remarked Pau Cubarsí, a fellow 17-year-old and part of Hansi Flick’s revitalized Barcelona squad.
Cubarsí attributed the team’s resurgence in 2025 to their winter break, which helped them recover from a rough patch in late November and December, where they suffered unexpected defeats against smaller clubs like Las Palmas and Leganes.
This slump allowed Atletico Madrid to take the lead in the domestic league, leaving Barcelona six points behind in third place, with Madrid just one point ahead.
Barcelona’s next challenge is a match against Getafe on Saturday, followed by a trip to Portugal to face Benfica in the Champions League group phase, where they currently sit second behind Liverpool.
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