Lamine Yamal 'can reach' Lionel Messi's level, claims Girona manager, after teen stars in Barcelona win
Published 15/09/2024 at 22:42 GMT+1
Girona boss Michel labelled Lamine Yamal as "one of the best players in the world" after the 17-year-old scored twice in Barcelona's 4-1 win over their Catalan rivals on Sunday. Michel went on to compare the Spain international to Barca great Lionel Messi, saying Yamal is a "player that can reach that level". Yamal previously said it is "impossible" to match Messi's footballing standards.
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Lamine Yamal "can reach" the same level as eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, Girona boss Michel claimed after the forward recorded a brace in Barcelona's 4-1 win over his side on Sunday.
Yamal was at the double to put Barca into a commanding first-half lead and Michel was full of praise for the Spain international after the match, calling him "one of the best players in the world".
The youngster's impressive breakthrough in the Barca ranks has seen comparisons drawn with club legend Messi, although Yamal has batted away those suggestions - telling Spanish TV station Antena 3 that it is "impossible" to reach the Argentine's level.
Girona boss Michel, however, was full of admiration for the teenager.
"Lamine is a difference-maker," Michel said in a post-match news conference. "For me, he is already one of the best players in the world at 17 years of age.
"It is difficult to imagine that after Messi another [like him] would come along, but I hope that Lamine keeps improving because he's a player than can reach that level."
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After an outstanding Euro 2024 campaign, helping Spain to lift the title in Germany, Yamal has returned to domestic action in fine form, with three goals and four assists after the resounding win over Girona.
And Barca boss Hansi Flick was pleased to see the 17-year-old on the scoresheet after his selfless creativity in previous matches.
"I was really happy because he scored the goal," Flick said. "Lamine normally gives the last pass and I was happy that he scored today."
Flick added: "We started the match very concentrated, very focused, and we pressed them really good.
"The first goal was unbelievable, really good from Lamine, and we deserved the win and the result.
"I think you can see the confidence we have and, when we have the ball, we have the quality to play and to create chances."
Yamal's contributions have been key to the Catalan club's perfect start to the Liga campaign, with the forward also scoring the first goal in his side's 2-1 win over Athletic Club in August.
The teenager's impressive showing against Girona also extends his record of registering a goal contribution in every La Liga match so far this season.
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