‘One of the greatest ever’… Rival coach hails Barcelona star

GIRONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Miguel Sanchez 'Michel' of Girona FC looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Girona FC and Rayo Vallecano at Montilivi Stadium on February 26, 2024 in Girona, Spain.

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

With his performances with FC Barcelona in the 2023-24 season, and with Spain in the UEFA EURO 2024, the young winger Lamine Yamal has proven his mettle and skills beyond any doubt.

His world-class skills at only 16 years of age have attracted praise not only from the supporters of the Spanish national team or Barcelona, but also from most of the rivals of these two entities.

This trend still continues as the head coach of the La Liga side Girona, which can once again be one of the teams competing for La Liga this season, has spoken very highly of the 16-year-old youngster.

As Mundo Deportivo has reported, Michel appeared in an interview with COPE and claimed that Yamal was one of the biggest talents to come out of Spain:

“Lamine is the great revelation of Spanish football, potentially one of the greatest ever, because we’re talking about a 16-year-old who almost never makes bad decisions, and that’s incredible.”

Michel also pinpointed some specific attributes that made Yamal so special: “Everything he does on the field makes sense and it seems effortless. Even when he’s under pressure, he always finds the right pass or shot on goal.”

“What’s missing in today’s football, which is time and space, he has plenty of to make decisions. He sees everything before everyone else. We’re talking about the greatest talent in Spanish football in recent years.”

Michel went on to explain how the Spanish national team is reaping the benefits of getting the most out of its star players, including Rodri and Yamal:

“The best version of Lamine is this one, just like the best version of Rodri, and look, the midfielder is with Pep!”

“Players like Nico (Williams) and Lamine have that prominence because you have to give it to them. It’s because they are very good, and this way, there are players who can take advantage of the width of the field they offer, like Pedri or Fabián did.”

“Three stars, because the two wingers have nothing to envy in any player, and Rodri is the best midfielder in the world.”

Yamal now has one big match left in the competition, the UEFA EURO final, which is scheduled for this coming Sunday. Hopefully, he will be able to help his team win this cup after 12 years, and get his name etched into history books even more prominently.