'Scary' Lamine Yamal will be spoken about like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the next decade, says Steven Gerrard
Updated 03/11/2026 at 23:37 GMT
Lamine Yamal will be mentioned in the same breath as all-time greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in 10 years' time, according to TNT Sports expert Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool legend described Barcelona and Spain star Yamal as a "freak of a player".
'Freak of a player' - Gerrard compares Yamal to Messi and Ronaldo
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And he has started the season in formidable form, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions.
His 13th goal of the campaign came early on in Barcelona's 3-0 UEFA Champions League win over Aston Villa, as the teenager opened the scoring for the Catalans.
Speaking in the Camp Nou tunnel before the match, Gerrard said: "We're talking about a megastar. He is a freak of a player, the numbers that he's getting at the moment - goals and assists - are beyond belief, scary really.
"Just to be in the stadium tonight to watch him up close and personal, I'm sure it'll be a pleasure.
"We talk about superstars in England who are 16, 17, 18 and have played handful of games. He's the same age and he's got numbers that are beyond belief, he's already in the conversation for Ballon d'Ors. He's still a teenager, which is a scary thing really.
"These players come around every so often - Messi, Ronaldo - and I know I'm not saying this too soon, he's going to be spoken about like them in a decade's time."
Gerrard was briefly interrupted by Barcelona and England winger Anthony Gordon, who greeted him with a hug.
Moments later, Yamal did the same, embracing Gerrard before heading to the pitch to warm up.
Barcelona's attacking players have thrilled fans so far this season, with a remarkable 46 goals from just 11 La Liga games, and 14 goals in four Champions League matches.
While top scorers Raphinha and Yamal have earned the bulk of the plaudits, Gordon has also caught the eye following his move from Newcastle United, with five assists and two goals in La Liga.
"Anthony's a learner, he's someone who wants to grow and evolve," Gerrard said.
"He wants to become a world-class player himself. The potential's there, we've seen it for club and country now.
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Highlights: Barca make light work of Villa
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"He was fantastic in England, I think Newcastle under Eddie Howe did wonderful things for him. Now it's about him kicking on and going to the next level.
"I think the coaching at Barcelona - and Thomas Tuchel as well - has taken him to the next level. What a place for him to be. Playing for Barcelona at a fantastic age in his peak years, playing for England, and producing for both. He's living the dream."
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TNT Sports expert Joe Cole was equally effusive in his praise of Gordon.
"He looks like he's shining," Cole said. "I've always loved Anthony Gordon from the days watching him at Everton. He's got such personality, the way he plays. He's a confident lad, a fighter, a warrior.
"He looks like he's having the time of his life, and being grateful is a real skill to have, not just in football but in life. He's living every footballer's dream, going to play for Barcelona. Look at the players he's playing with.
"He's a credit to himself, and a credit to his family and his city as well. It's brilliant. I love watching him play."
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