Lamine Yamal might not yet be the world`s top player, but the mere fact this point is worth mentioning for a player under 18 highlights his extraordinary talent. As the season nears its conclusion, the coming weeks could see Yamal solidify his position as a prime candidate to inherit the mantle after Lionel Messi.
Yamal`s performance metrics this season are impressively high, regardless of age. He has been a standout player, particularly in La Liga. He leads the league with 12 assists, three more than his closest competitor, Raphinha. His expected assisted goals (xAG) metric also surpasses Raphinha`s, indicating the quality of chances he creates. Yamal is unparalleled in delivering the ball into dangerous areas, with 83 passes into the penalty area compared to Pedri`s 68 in second place. He also leads in both goal-creating and shot-creating actions.
Simply put, the 17-year-old has been La Liga`s most effective creative player this term.
His ball progression is equally remarkable. Yamal is crucial in advancing Barcelona up the pitch into scoring positions, leading La Liga in successful dribbles and ranking second only to Vinicius Junior in progressive carries and carries into the penalty area.
While advanced stats enthusiasts are impressed by his 99th percentile rankings, what truly astonishes most observers are moments of brilliance that defy his age. It`s as if the young player from Rocafonda has absorbed decades of football knowledge, instinctively making the correct decision in situations where others his age might falter.
Consider his goal in the 4-0 Champions League quarterfinal first leg win against Borussia Dortmund. After receiving a pass from Raphinha, his first touch was slightly heavy, seemingly inviting Ramy Bensebaini to challenge for the ball. Rather than attempting a standard shot or trying to push past the defender (which would narrow the angle), Yamal made a split-second decision. In a move executed in an instant, Yamal opted for a precise toe-poke flick, guiding the ball past Gregor Kobel, who could only watch in admiration. This level of composure and ingenuity from a 17-year-old is remarkable.
Beyond goals, his repertoire includes delicate cross-field chips to the far post and impressive outside-of-the-boot crosses, including one memorable 40-yard pass that set up a clear chance for Raphinha. He consistently delivers high-quality balls from wide areas, often while running at full speed. His ability to strike the ball across his body, as seen in his Euro 2024 semifinal goal, is a skill many seasoned pros lack. This demonstrates his growing tactical intelligence and ability to adapt when opponents try to force him down the line.
Given these remarkable attributes, one might ask what`s preventing him from being a Ballon d`Or contender right now. The primary area for improvement is his goal scoring. While 14 goals in 47 games across all competitions is a respectable return, especially coupled with 22 assists, his shot selection reveals his youth. Like many young wingers, he tends to shoot from optimistic positions (understandable given his talent, as seen in the Euro 2024 goal), resulting in many attempts with a low probability of success.
However, given his rapid development and composure, it`s reasonable to expect this aspect of his game to improve quickly. Coaches often find it easier to refine a player`s shot selection than to instill the willingness to shoot. Yamal certainly isn`t shy, attempting 4.19 shots per 90 minutes with an average xG of 0.31, showing he`s eager to take chances.
With better shot selection and increased goal output, Yamal could soon become a truly elite attacker, potentially before he even leaves his teenage years. This performance level naturally raises questions about his place among football`s historical greats: How does he stack up against legends like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo at the same age?
Direct comparisons are difficult. At 17, Messi was part of a dominant Barcelona side but not the central figure he would become. Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United just before turning 18. While young stars like Kylian Mbappe and Wayne Rooney emerged early, their performances at 17 were often more inconsistent bursts of brilliance compared to Yamal`s sustained impact. By his 18th birthday in July, Yamal is projected to have accumulated significant playing time, including potentially 5,000 La Liga minutes and 24 Champions League appearances, possibly adding domestic or European winner`s medals to any Euro 2024 honors.
To find players with a comparable level of impact at such a young age, one must look to the early careers of legendary South American players. Ronaldo Nazario was already a sensation for Cruzeiro, Diego Maradona was earning the nickname `El Pibe de Oro` (The Golden Boy), and Pele was setting World Cup records that Yamal has recently equaled.
Naturally, it will take another two decades to definitively determine if Yamal belongs in the same echelon as these historical figures. The careers of players like Wayne Rooney and even the Brazilian Ronaldo serve as reminders of the challenges and potential pitfalls that can affect prodigiously talented players. Furthermore, the physical toll of playing so many senior minutes at such a young age is a significant concern.
Being on the verge of global elite status at 17 is one achievement; maintaining that level of dominance for a decade and a half, as the true legends did, is another entirely. Fortunately for Yamal, time is very much on his side.
