Is it too early to name Lamine Yamal the best participant on this planet… or is it precisely the appropriate time? The 17-year-old La Masia prodigy owns the grass like a seasoned skilled, conducting play and embarrassing defenders—all whereas being barely sufficiently old to drive.
The noise is getting louder with Barcelona formally league champions and home treble winners. The individuals are calling for a historic win. Yamal scored tonight’s all-important aim to safe the league and have the tassels within the well-known Blaugrana colors once more. He topped off a formidable efficiency with a aim for the ages – a basic left-footed Lamine Yamal roller into the highest nook. He celebrated the win in a well-known Messi fashion.
Ronaldo Nazário (extra popularly often known as R9) is the youngest Ballon d’Or winner within the trophy’s historical past, at 21 years, three months, and 5 days. Lamine Yamal couldn’t win the trophy for one more 4 years, and nonetheless be youthful than Nazário, and it wouldn’t shock anybody if he accomplished it.
Because the season progressed, so did Yamal. His aim contributions have been – to place it bluntly – psychological. He has managed 17 targets and 25 assists in 53 video games in all competitions. His Champions League run was actually commendable, no matter membership affiliation. He scored 5 targets and provided 4 assists in 13 video games, serving to take Barcelona to the semi-finals. Nobody can deny the uncooked expertise this teenager possesses.
At 17, he has six main trophies. A European championship, 2x Spanish champion, 1x Spanish cup winner, 1x Spanish cup winner and tonight – a treble-winning La Liga holding champion.
May a Ballon d’Or quickly be added to this booming cupboard?
There isn’t a doubt that it may be debated. Some say sure, and naturally, some say no. His numbers stand out. His age stands out, and he stands out. Ousmane Dembélé and Mohammed Salah are additionally eager contenders, having stand-out seasons of their respective leagues. Each are league champions, nonetheless, Dembélé has leverage because of PSG’s spot within the Champions league remaining. You can also’t ignore the season of fellow Barcelona winger, Raphinha, who at the moment appears to be like favorite for the solo trophy. All 4 contenders have put in wild numbers and could be worthy of the trophy. Nevertheless, trophies additionally speak, and a Champions League win might put Dembélé over the road and safe the win.
The craziest a part of the debate is that Yamal might not win it within the subsequent 4 years and will nonetheless be the youngest winner. There isn’t a doubt he’s not even touched his ceiling but, and subsequent season will provide followers greater than the present one. Realistically, because of their aim contributions, different gamers are extra worthy of the trophy this 12 months, primarily Raphinha and Dembélé. Nevertheless, Yamal’s identify will likely be circulated within the headlines for months earlier than the ceremony. He might shock us all. He already has.
Barcelona has one other golden boy in one other golden period. He’ll put on the well-known 10 on his again subsequent season and carry the burden of it as effectively. The Ballon d’Or telephone will likely be ringing for Lamine Yamal this 12 months, and the subsequent, and undoubtedly, the subsequent.
