Former Barcelona and Spain striker David Villa expressed his admiration for Lamine Yamal following his rapid rise to the top.
Yamal had an exceptional 2024, winning UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain, where he was named the tournament’s best young player.
The La Masia graduate also secured prestigious individual awards including the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy Award.
Villa praised the young sensation in a recent interview with ASHe said: “He’s an incredible boy. How he plays, how he understands football… I don’t know him personally, but I’ve been to him a few times and he seems very calm and focused.
“This is not the explosion of a footballer who will last a few months.
“He’s been there for a while where you could say he could have made a mistake and the opposite is the case. “He’s very good and every time you see him play he plays better.
“He also knows what it means to be a champion.”
David Villa: “I won’t compare Lamine Yamal with Messi. I find it annoying to compare a player with Messi. Lamine is already a global star and has achieved important things in the last two years and I am very happy for him and the fans. “I have the right to be happy for him… pic.twitter.com/iq37BnMdrB
— Barca Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 6, 2025
When asked about comparisons between Lamine and Lionel Messi, Villa replied that the two were not compatible.
“I think it’s annoying these days to compare a player with Messi. “Lamine Yamal is already a global star,” Villa added.
“He has achieved important things for two years and as a cule I am excited again.
“And of course the fans have the right to be excited about him, but I don’t think there is a need to compare him with Messi because he will have a very good career.”
An exciting La Liga title race
David Villa also shared his thoughts on the current LaLiga title race, which pits his former clubs Barcelona and Atlético Madrid against each other alongside reigning champions Real Madrid.
While Villa is enjoying watching Atletico and Barcelona in the running, he has warned both against underestimating Real Madrid.
Happy birthday, David Villa!
pic.twitter.com/nAqnwRk2vd
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 3, 2024
He said: “Fine, but keep an eye on Madrid. They are always there. In short, they are the biggest clubs in the country and in recent years, why not say it, have shown considerable superiority over the others.
“Given their new signings, it was clear that the three of them would be fighting again and the truth is that it is nice.
“The fact that there is a competition between more than two teams or with a very prominent leader is fantastic for the football fan.
“Obviously I like two of these three teams a lot because of my past with them and the truth is that I enjoy it a lot.
“Hopefully the league continues like this until the end. I want the league to be decided at the last minute… between Atlético and Barca.”
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