Girona coach Míchel has said Lamine Yamal can reach Lionel Messi‘s level after watching the Barcelona winger take his side apart in Sunday’s Catalan derby at Montilivi.
Yamal, 17, scored twice as Barça won 4-1 to make it five wins from five in LaLiga this season, with Dani Olmo and Pedri also on target before Cristhian Stuani netted a late consolation for Girona.
“Lamine is a difference-maker,” Míchel said in a news conference. “For me, he is already one of the best players in the world at 17 years of age.
“It is difficult to imagine that after Messi another [like him] would come along, but I hope that Lamine keeps improving because he’s a player than can reach that level.”
Yamal scored twice in seven first half minutes to effectively kill game before the break, robbing David López to open the scoring on the half hour mark before adding his second with a well-taken finish from the edge of the box.
The Spain international now leads the league in goal contributions this season with seven, ahead of teammates Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, who have six and five respectively.
Prior to Sunday’s brace against Girona, four of Yamal’s five goal contributions had arrived via assists, with Barça coach Hansi Flick welcoming the addition of more goals to his game.
