Barcelona’s sporting director Deco says becoming the best in the world depends on Lamine Yamal and compared the youngster to Neymar Jr.
At just 17, Lamine Yamal is already a European champion with the Spanish national team and a two-time La Liga champion with Barcelona, having been a key player for both squads.
The youngster has been one of Barcelona’s star players in the last couple of seasons, giving him a shout for the Ballon d’Or award.
Deco compares Yamal to Neymar
Barcelona’s current sporting director and former Portuguese international, Deco, spoke highly of young Blaugrana star Lamine Yamal, a strong contender for the next Ballon d’Or, during an appearance on the program “Cara a Cara” with Rom谩rio.
“Lamine is a phenomenon. Becoming the best in the world is up to him,” Deco stated, highlighting the Spanish star’s talent and potential, and his meteoric rise in European football, as reported by Abola.
Comparing Yamal to some of football’s biggest names, the former FC Porto and Portugal national team player recalled a name that also made history at the Camp Nou: “Lamine’s start is very similar to Neymar’s. Life has helped him mature into who he is. Now he has more responsibilities as a player, but he’s also at that age.”
Deco believes the environment in which Lamine Yamal is developing is ideal for him to reach his full potential: “He’ll be competing in championships with Real Madrid, at Barcelona, for the next few years, and he’s in the best position to do so.”
Last season, the young Spaniard scored 18 goals and provided 21 assists for Barcelona, delivering impressive performances that have placed him among the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or.