Lamine Yamal is said to offer a “similar feeling” to the Barcelona group as Lionel Messi did.
Yamal’s remarkable ascent through the ranks at Barcelona and the Spanish national team has not gone unnoticed, with parallels to Messi becoming more pronounced by the week. At only 17 years old, the brilliant attacker is invoking memories of the Argentine legend’s early days in Catalunya, when both players emerged as left-footed prodigies from La Masia and shone on the great stages.
Midfield maestro Pedri, a vital element in Barça’s current system, has publicly praised Yamal’s distinct spark. “The feeling is similar to the one we had with Leo: knowing that something good could happen to us,” Pedri told Sport, referring to Yamal’s explosive presence on the game.
While Yamal garners the spotlight, Pedri’s own journey has been one of persistence and determination. A player known for his technical finesse and ability to dictate the tempo of matches, Pedri has long been hailed as one of the brightest midfield prospects in Europe. However, recurring injuries in recent seasons slowed his progress and kept him out of action at crucial moments. This campaign has seen the Canary Islander bounce back in style, rediscovering his rhythm and regaining a central role in Barça’s midfield.
Pedri was quizzed about the Ballon d’Or – a prize that remains elusive for many midfielders. With Rodri breaking that barrier in 2024, the possibility of another central player claiming the crown seems more realistic than ever.
“Andres, Xavi, and Busquets deserved it and did not win it. It was time to give a midfielder (Rodri) the prize. I hope this will be useful in the coming years,” he said.
“To any player in the world, if you ask him about the Ballon d’Or, he will say yes. But I prefer to win team titles rather than individual prizes.”
With Messi long departed, Barcelona appears to have found a natural successor in Yamal. His blend of creativity, fearlessness, and technical excellence has breathed new life into the Blaugrana faithful, who had been yearning for a player capable of bringing them to the edge of their seats once more. As Yamal continues to shatter age-related records and leave defenders in his wake, and Pedri orchestrates play from the middle of the park, the foundations of a new golden generation are firmly in place.
