Barcelona`s recent match against Inter, ending in a 3-3 draw in the Champions League semifinals, provided several memorable moments. Among the most talked-about was the performance of Lamine Yamal, who once again demonstrated that he is not merely a promising talent for the future but is already operating at the highest level.
Yamal played a pivotal role in Barcelona`s potent attack throughout the game. He registered four shots and created two goal-scoring opportunities, contributing significantly to the three goals scored by the home side. A particular highlight was his individual effort leading to a goal in the 24th minute, a piece of brilliance that ignited Barcelona`s comeback after falling behind 2-0. This performance, like several others before it, left many observers speechless, including the legendary Thierry Henry.
`What I witnessed tonight from Lamine Yamal … it`s not normal to be like that at 17,` Henry remarked during the post-match analysis show. `I`m not just talking about his actions with the ball; it`s his situational awareness, his composure, how he reads the game, even how he defends and applies pressure. It`s simply extraordinary. We discussed the 100 games he`s already played at this age – it`s almost absurd, really. I`m not even sure exactly what phenomenon I`m observing, but he played like a man possessed. And when I say `a man,` technically, he isn`t even one yet. It`s just not standard.`
Statistical data supports Henry`s assertion that Yamal is performing at a level rarely seen for someone his age. In his first 100 senior club appearances, he has accumulated 50 goals and assists (22 goals, 28 assists). This tally is remarkably close to Lionel Messi`s record of 56 (41 goals, 15 assists) at the same career stage and significantly surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo`s total of 27 (13 goals, 14 assists). It`s worth noting that both Ronaldo and Messi were considerably older than Yamal when they reached their 100th game milestone. Furthermore, Messi had only featured in seven senior matches for Barcelona by the time he was Yamal`s current age.
His record-setting trajectory is complemented by his entertaining style of play, a characteristic he is happy to embrace as his own.
`I enjoy playing in a manner that brings enjoyment to others,` Yamal commented in an interview on the same post-match program.
Yamal`s collection of trophies at such a young age is equally impressive. He was a key contributor to Spain`s victory in last year`s European Championship and played a vital part in Barcelona`s Copa del Rey triumph on Saturday. Should Barcelona manage to achieve a treble – a genuine possibility given their lead in La Liga and continued presence in the Champions League – he would be a deserved recipient of those honors. He is rapidly building a case to be considered among the world`s top players, potentially stepping into the immense void left by Messi and Ronaldo as their legendary careers approach their final chapter.
`One aspect of football that constantly astounds me is the thought that there won`t possibly be anyone better [than Messi or Ronaldo],` Henry reflected. `And then Yamal appears, and there`s another talented youngster in Argentina, [Franco] Mastantuono at River Plate, already scoring crucial free kicks in the derby against Boca Juniors. This is why football is so incredible. There will be another player soon, perhaps in two or three years, who we`ll be talking about and who isn`t even on the radar yet. But it`s truly astonishing to think about a 17-year-old performing like this. I believe I made my professional debut around 17 years old. What he is achieving is simply remarkable – it`s not normal. However, look, it`s wonderful to witness the emergence of a new talent, a rising star who appears poised for dominance, and I sincerely wish him that success. Let`s ensure we don`t burden him with excessive pressure or prematurely declare him the successor to the throne or anything of that nature.`
Jersey Swap?
Towards the conclusion of the interview, Thierry Henry mentioned his plans to be in Barcelona for the El Clasico match in May and expressed his desire to obtain Lamine Yamal`s jersey for his son. Yamal was receptive to the idea, readily agreeing but also requested that Henry bring him one of his own legendary shirts in return, stating that either a Barcelona or an Arsenal jersey would be perfectly acceptable.
