Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been told he must follow in hero Lionel Messi's footsteps and become world number one.
The Spanish winger is arguably one of the world's most exciting young players since breaking into the Catalan giants' first team. Yamal, 17, has already made more than 70 appearances for the club and scored 13 goals.
He is in the midst of a sensational campaign, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions. That form follows the youngster who won Euro 2024 with Spain.
Yamal has just 18 months left on his contract at Camp Nou and it is reported that Manchester City are keen to sign him. But his agent Jorge Mendes has assured he will pen a new contract and urged the youngster to emulate both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to become the best player in the world.
“He must follow good examples, such as Cristiano and Messi, who are still competing at the age of almost 40. He has the talent to become number one,” said the Portuguese super agent. “Lamine is a Barça player and will remain so for many years to come.”
Mendes also claimed that Yamal would have been the best player in the world in 2024, but his youth prevented him from winning the major personal awards. He added: “Lamine Yamal has been the best, but he has also been a victim of his youth, because many people who vote think that he is 17 years old and will have time to win these awards.”
And while Mendes has a lot to say about his client, Yamal also provided an update on his future. In an interview with Marca earlier this year, he confirmed that he is not thinking about leaving anytime soon.
“No, I don't really think about that. I just think about Barca, improving and winning titles here,” he said. “I dream of winning titles with Barcelona and for my family to do well. Bringing back the Champions League is a dream come true.”
Barcelona will certainly hope that Yamal can continue his good form in the coming weeks. The Catalan giants take on Spanish minnows Barbastro in the Copa del Rey this weekend ahead of a Super Cup clash with Athletic Bilbao.
In their next league match they have to play against Getafe next month. Barcelona are currently third in the table and three points behind Atletico Madrid.
Comments