Dutch legend praises Barcelona phenom and issues a warning – ‘Talent is one thing, but…’ | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder has become the latest footballing figure to heap praise on Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal.

In an interview with Winwin-allsports (h/t Mundo Deportivo), the Dutch legend acknowledged the 18-year-old’s incredible potential and urged him to remain focused if he wants to become one of the best in the world.

Praise for Lamine Yamal

Speaking on the new generation of footballers, Sneijder was full of admiration for Yamal’s rise, describing him as one of the most exciting talents in the game today.

“If Lamine can stay focused and avoid temptation, he can reach the top,” Sneijder said. At the same time, he offered a word of caution, saying:

“He has extraordinary potential, but he’s still very young. Talent is one thing, but determination and discipline are another.”

Sneijder has praised Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

This comes as no surprise to fans who have seen Yamal emerge as a key figure for both Barcelona and Spain at a very young age.

His performances have been nothing short of electric, and praise from a former Ballon d’Or contender like Sneijder only underlines how highly regarded the winger already is.

On his lost Ballon d’Or legacy

While speaking about young stars, Sneijder also took a moment to reflect on his own career, particularly the 2010 season, which remains a point of contention among fans.

That year, the former Inter Milan midfielder won the UEFA Champions League, a domestic double, and led the Netherlands to the World Cup final. Many believed he deserved the Ballon d’Or, but it ultimately went to Lionel Messi.

“To be honest, I still feel sad,” Sneijder admitted. “I did everything—won the Champions League, the double, reached the World Cup final. But Messi won.

“He is a great player, no doubt. The fact that people still talk about me in 2010 shows they recognised my efforts. That’s what matters to me,” he concluded.