Pep Guardiola sheds light on the comparisons between Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi | OneFootball

FC Barcelona is blessed enough to have many talented youngsters that they can count on. Almost every year, it seems as if new faces continue to emerge and give the coaches a reason to believe in them. Even now, Hansi Flick has a lot of options at Barcelona to consider.

However, over the last few years, no talent surpasses the quality that Lamine Yamal has showcased and the joy that he has brought to his club and country. For many, he is the true successor to Lionel Messi at Barcelona, considering his projection.

In fact, Yamal has already inherited the iconic number ‘10’ shirt that was previously worn by Messi as well. However, when it comes to these comparisons, Manchester City coach and Barcelona legend Pep Guardiola seems to believe that it is still far too early to make them.

Pep Guardiola gives his verdict

Photo Courtesy: The official website of FC Barcelona

As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, Guardiola had this to say regarding the comparisons:

“We should let Lamine Yamal carve his own path, and when he plays for fifteen years, we can say whether he’s better than Messi or not.”

However, instead of seeing it as something that demeans the 18-year-old Barcelona forward, Guardiola thinks it is a compliment to the player’s ability instead:

“The fact that he is compared to Messi is, in itself, a huge deal. It’s like comparing a painter to Van Gogh.”

Yamal needs to stay focused at Barcelona

In terms of talent and the right environment, Yamal has everything he needs to succeed on the biggest stage for years to come. Still, that does not mean that the fame and success should get to his head.