As Euro 2024 approaches its climax, the soccer world has been captivated by the extraordinary expertise of Spain’s 17-year-old winger, Lamine Yamal.
The younger Barcelona star has made historical past along with his performances, drawing comparisons to legends like Lionel Messi and Pele.
His affect has been so profound that former England striker Gary Lineker has positioned Yamal in the identical bracket as these all-time greats.
Yamal’s defining second got here within the France semifinal, the place he grew to become the youngest scorer in Euro historical past with a shocking equalizer.
His long-range, left-footed roller canceled out Randal Kolo Muani’s early header; setting the stage for Dani Olmo’s fantastically taken strike, which secured Spain’s place within the last. A show of each technical prowess and poise underneath duress, Yamal scored the purpose on the tender age of 16 and thirty-two days.
Comparisons to actual legends
Gary Lineker, in an interview with The Guardian, was effusive in his reward for Yamal. He likened the Spanish teenager’s early profession achievements to these of Messi, Maradona, and Pele.
“We don’t wish to get carried away however, boy oh boy, no-one’s ever finished these items. Even Messi was later,” Lineker remarked. He went on to spotlight the distinctive nature of Yamal’s expertise, noting his intelligence and tranquility on the sector. “I’m not saying he’s going to be a Messi or Maradona, however he might be. To do what he’s doing at this age, and he’s so calm. His decision-making and the purpose, no-one’s ever finished that.”
Earlier than the match, Yamal already held the information for the youngest participant to look and rating for Spain.
At Euro 2024, he shattered a number of information, turning into the youngest participant to make an look, register an help, and rating a purpose within the competitors.
These achievements have positioned him as one of many brightest prospects in world soccer.
Might Yamal surpass Messi’s accomplishments at 17?
Yamal turned 17 simply someday earlier than the ultimate towards England, marking one other milestone in his outstanding journey.
As he prepares to begin in assault for La Roja, each English and Spanish media have lauded his contributions to the match. The Three Lions star additional described Yamal’s performances as unparalleled.
“He’s one of the best 16-year-old I’ve ever seen. Rooney got here into issues [at 16] and scored an analogous sort of purpose [against Arsenal in 2002]. This was within the semi-final of the European Championship!”
Barcelona’s winger’s affect on Euro 2024 has been nothing in need of sensational.
Individuals are already drawing comparisons between his purpose towards France and well-known moments in European Championship historical past; together with Paul Gascoigne’s solo effort in 1996 and Marco van Basten’s volley in 1988. Yamal’s strike, coming at such a younger age, has left followers and pundits alike in awe.
Photograph credit score: IMAGO / Visionhaus
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