Saudi Arabia coach hails Lamine Yamal as world’s greatest talent: ‘Started to replace Messi in Barcelona’

Saudi Arabia coach hails Lamine Yamal as world’s greatest talent: ‘Started to replace Messi in Barcelona’

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal simply cannot stop collecting accolades, with everyone, including opposition teams and managers, in awe of the talent on display.

His ascent to the highest level of the game at such a young age almost feels unprecedented. The praise for him also feels deserved.

The latest to join the chorus is Saudi Arabia manager Georgios Donis. He has delivered one of the strongest assessments yet of the Barcelona winger’s talent.

Speaking about the 18-year-old, he said (h/t SuperSport): “I think Yamal is maybe this period the biggest talent in the world. I think he started to replace Messi in Barcelona in the best way.

“I didn’t see a player at this age to make this difference and to have this quality and to play with this maturity.”

Much is said about Lamine, not just for his dribbles, goals and moments of magic. He is being praised because he already understands the game like a much older player.

Donis further explained that point:

“For me the most important is not about the skills, but about the maturity and he knows what he can do every moment and that is the biggest difference.”

Donis in awe of Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

A Messi-era comparison with meaning

Any comparison with Lionel Messi is dangerous, and Barça fans know that better than anyone. Donis spoke more about the feeling of a player who can change the level of the team.

“It’s wonderful for the world of football to see talents like Lamine Yamal, and it’s beautiful to face players with this level of quality.”

“I remember myself when I was coaching Abuel and we faced Barcelona during Messi’s era. And in general, I see that Lamine Yamal currently is the youngest talent who possesses the greatest quality alongside this maturity.”

That is the balance Barça should want. Lamine does not need to become Messi. He needs to become the best version of himself, and right now, the signs are extraordinary.

Spain depend on his one-on-one threat

Donis also explained why Spain look different when Lamine and Nico Williams are not on the pitch.

He said: “I always respond with honesty, Spain is not the same team when Lamine Yamal or Nico Williams are on the bench.”

“The team becomes different, in the sense that it has possession, but it lacks the individual element, and the one-on-one individual situations when these two players are absent.”

“This was clearly evident in the last match; despite the high possession, Spain missed the individual solutions.”

Will Lamine start for Spain vs Saudi? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Possession can control a match, but players like Lamine break it open. This is exactly what La Roja lacked against Cape Verde.

Donis added: “And it’s worth considering that the Green Falcon defended collectively for the entire 96 or 97 minutes, and it’s extremely difficult to defend for all that time.”

“I don’t think Spain has a problem, but the characteristics of the players differ when these two players are absent.”

“In that case, the team relies more on collective play and cohesion, whereas with their presence, the individual element also comes into play.”

“And that’s why we must find a way tomorrow to deal with both aspects, and that’s something very difficult.”

There is no clarity on whether Lamine will start this game. He played less than 30 minutes last time around, and starting him may be a risk.

The ideal way to unleash Lamine against Saudi Arabia would be to keep him on the bench and either bring him on in the 45th minute or wait until the 60th minute, depending on the scoreline.

Spain’s hopes at this summer’s World Cup are pinned on Lamine and Nico being fit, and it remains to be seen what kind of role he plays against Donis’ side later today.