Hansi Flick is “not a fan” of comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, despite acknowledging the Barcelona teenager’s “genius”.
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- Teenager starring for La Liga giants
- Likened to eight-time Ballon d'Or winner
- Dribbling ability runs rings around rivals
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WHAT HAPPENED?
At 17 years of age, Blaugrana wonderkid Yamal continues to wow audiences around the world. He was at it again in Barca’s 1-0 victory over Alaves, with one early dribble – which saw him burst beyond several defenders after starting out in his own half – conjuring up memories of Messi and his fellow Argentine icon Diego Maradona.
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WHAT HANSI FLICK SAID
Flick is aware of the noise that Yamal continues to generate, as he is likened to all-time greats, but has told reporters of that discussion: “I am not a fan of that. Lamine is a genius. What he did today, in some situations, it's unbelievable. I am very happy that he is playing for Barca. It's great.”
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Yamal attempted 21 dribbles in total against Alaves, completing 11 of them, with that the most that any Barcelona player has managed in one game since Messi took on 20 in a meeting with Real Mallorca back in the 2005-06 campaign.
- Getty Images
DID YOU KNOW?
Flick added on the outrageous standards that Yamal continues to set, with the youngster often leaving rivals chasing shadows: "For 17 years old, he's doing great, and every match is good. And the opponents are not so easy to play against. They are strong, defending good, they try to attack him, aggressive, but he's doing good. I love it."
