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Former Barcelona and Spain striker David Villa has expressed his admiration for Lamine Yamal following his rapid rise to the top.
Yamal had a special 2024, winning UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain, where he was named the Best Young Player of the Tournament.
La Masia graduates have also won top honors, including the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy Award.
Villa was quick to express his praise for the youngster’s involvement, in a recent interview AShe says: “He is an incredible child. The way he plays, the way he feels the ball… it’s true that I don’t know him, but I’ve been with him a few times and he seems calm and focused.
“This is not an explosion for a player who will be out for a few months.
“He has been around for some time, where you can say he could have made a mistake and the opposite is true. He is very good and every time you see him play, he plays well.
He also knows what it means to be a hero.
David Villa: “I can’t compare Lamine Yamal with Messi, I think comparing any player with Messi is annoying, Lamine is a world star and he has done important things in the last two years and I am very happy for him and the opportunity to have fun with him… pic.twitter.com/iq37BnMdrB
– Barca Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 6, 2025
When asked about the comparison between Lamine and Lionel Messi, Villa replied that the two are not compatible.
“I think comparing any player to Messi is difficult these days. Lamine Yamal is already a star in the world,” added Villa.
“He has been doing important things for two years and, like Cule, I am also happy.
“And of course the fans have the right to be happy with him, but I don’t think it’s important to compare him to Messi because he will have a great career.”
Tough La Liga title race
David Villa also shared his thoughts on the current LaLiga competition, which sees his former clubs Barcelona and Atletico Madrid battle it out alongside reigning champions Real Madrid.
While Villa is excited to see Atletico and Barcelona clash, he warned both not to underestimate Real Madrid.
🎂 Happy birthday, David Villa! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/nAqnwRk2vd
– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 3, 2024
He said: “Well, even look at Madrid. They are always there. In short, they are the biggest clubs in the country and in the last few years they have shown, why not say it, the best of the rest.
“Based on their signing, it was clear that these three will be back and the truth is that it is good.
“The fact that there is competition between more than two teams or a known leader is exciting for football fans.
“Indeed, I like two of the three teams because I have been with them before and the truth is that I enjoy them a lot.
“We believe that the league will continue like this until the end. I want the league to be decided at the last minute… and it will be between Atletico and Barca. “
