Former Barcelona and Spain striker David Villa has praised Lamine Yamal after his rapid rise to the top.
Yamal won the UEFA Euro 2024 title with Spain in a remarkable 2024 and was named the tournament's best young player.
The La Masia graduate has also won prestigious individual honors including the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy Award.
Villa was quick to praise the youngster's attitude in a recent interview. AS“He's an incredible kid. How does he play? The way he understands football… It's true that he doesn't know himself. But I've been with him a couple of times and he seems very calm and focused.
“It's not the explosion of a footballer that's going to happen in a few months.
“He stayed there for a while; He may have made a mistake; The opposite is true. He's great and every time I see him play, he gets better.
“He also knows what it means to be a champion.”
David Villa: “I don't compare Lamine Yamal to Messi.” I think it's annoying to compare any player to Messi. Lamine is already a global star and has achieved significant things in the last 2 years and I am very excited for him and his fans. A chance for him to be excited… pic.twitter.com/iq37BnMdrB
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 6 2025
When asked about comparisons between Lamine and Lionel Messi, Villa responded that the two were incompatible.
“I think it's confusing to compare every player to Messi these days. “Lamine Yamal is already a world star,” Villa said.
“He's achieved two important things for two years and as a Cule, I'm excited again.
“Certainly fans have a chance to be excited for him,” he said. But he's going to have a great career, so I don't think it's necessary to compare him to Messi.”
A tense La Liga Cup race
David Villa also gave his thoughts on the current La Liga title race, which has seen his former clubs Barcelona and Atletico Madrid go head-to-head with champions Real Madrid.
Villa has warned Real Madrid not to be underestimated as they watch Atletico and Barcelona compete.
🎂 Happy Birthday David Villa! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/nAqnwRk2vd
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 3 2024
He added: “I'm watching Madrid but it's good. They always have. In short, They are the biggest club in the country and they have shown that in the last few years. Why is it better than the rest of the team?
“Given their signings, it's clear that the three of them are going to fight again and the truth is, it's good.
“It's great for football fans to compete with more than two teams or a clear leader.
“Of course, I really like two of those three teams; I was very happy because of my past with them.
“Hopefully the league will continue like this until the end. I want the league to be decided at the last minute. It will be between Atletico and Barca,” he said.