Barcelona star shields Lamine Yamal from Lionel Messi comparisons | OneFootball

Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has this week moved to reject the ongoing comparisons between teammate Lamine Yamal, and Blaugrana legend Lionel Messi.

Wide-man Lamine has for his part of course spent the season to date continuing to build on his reputation as world football’s standout young talent.

Taking his production in the final third to a new level altogether, the Spaniard, still just 17, has directly contributed to a hefty 30 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.

With such remarkable output at such a young age, though, comes inevitable comparisons with some of the game’s all-time greats.

One in particular pushed by the media in Spain is that between Lamine and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, who also burst onto the scene at a young age.

Speaking during an exchange with the media whilst on international duty this week, one of Lamine’s Blaugrana teammates, in Frenkie de Jong, was therefore drawn on such comparisons.

The Dutchman, however, moved to play as much down, insistent that:

“I don’t think he should be compared to Messi because any player compared to Messi will look inferior. I don’t believe we’ll see another player like Messi, or at least not anytime soon. So, I don’t think it’s right to make that comparison. However, what he’s doing at this age is truly exceptional and rare. He has a natural talent, the way he understands the game and the decisions he makes at such a young age are truly impressive. I believe this skill is entirely innate, and fortunately, he possesses it.”

Conor Laird – GSFN