La Liga coach hails Barcelona starlet as the ‘greatest emergence in Spanish football’
Barcelona appear to be undergoing a resurgence in their ability to produce elite-tier talents from their fabled academy.
Several bright stars have recently emerged from La Masia, but the one leading the pack is inarguably Lamine Yamal.
At just 16 years of age, Yamal has established himself as a key player for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
Following his incredible exploits domestically, the youngster is now showcasing his talents on the international stage, procuring praise from the entire world.
Girona coach Michel has recently joined Yamal’s long list of admirers, gushing over the teenage sensation’s distinctive qualities and evaluating what sets him apart.
Michel waxes lyrical over Yamal
Yamal has been smashing records left, right, and centre at the UEFA Euro 2024, and he has a chance to make more history when he plays in the final against England, following his man-of-the-match display against France.
Recognizing his incredible strides, Michel stated (h/t Mundo Deportivo): “Lamine is the greatest emergence in Spanish football, maybe in history, because we are talking about a 16-year-old boy who hardly ever makes bad decisions and that’s incredible.“
Highlighting his exceptional decision-making abilities, unprecedented at his age, Michel argued:
“Everything he does on the field makes sense and it seems like he does it effortlessly, even when he is pressured or pressed, he always makes the right pass or the shot on goal.”
Yamal has the most assists (3) in the Euro thus far and has created the most big chances this tournament (6), which is as many as the entire England national team.
“What you lack in today’s football, which is time and space, he has plenty of to make decisions,” Michel noted.
“He sees everything before anyone else. We are talking about the greatest talent in Spanish football in recent years,” the Girona manager added.
The immense acclaim for Yamal continued as Michel highlighted how his offensive prowess has enabled other midfielders to excel in this tournament.
“Players like Nico (Williams) and Lamine have that prominence because they have to be given it. They are very good and so there are footballers who can take advantage of the width of the field they offer, like Pedri or Fabián did,” he concluded.
