Ivan Rakitic hints one current Barcelona star would have found a place in Luis Enrique’s super team | OneFootball

Over the past month, FC Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal has captured the footballing world’s attention. With dazzling displays in two El Clasicos and the Champions League semi-finals against Inter Milan, the 17-year-old has cemented his status as one of the most electrifying young talents on the planet.

Easily one of the biggest talents to have come through La Masia in the last decade, Lamine seems to be just getting started. The teenager is already Hansi Flick’s most important player alongside Pedri and is in line for a new bumper contract once he turns 18.

Barcelona’s new crown jewel

One player who was an unsung hero in Barcelona’s super team of the past under Luis Enrique was Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic. The 37-year-old recently hung his boots after a spell in his home country with Hajduk Split.

Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring for Barcelona. Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

The midfield legend was asked about Lamine Yamal and whether he would find a place in the famed MSN team under the current PSG manager. As quoted by the Independent, here is what he had to say:

“The fact is it’s very difficult to bring somebody into that team, not just from Barcelona but from everywhere. But good players are always welcome, they can always help, and I was asked whether there would be room for Lamine (Yamal). If you play with Leo (Messi), there’s no room for anybody. But we would’ve found a way of fitting Lamine in. Everyone would have, that’s very obvious. He’s an incredible player.”

Coincidentally, Lamine plays his football in the same position as Lionel Messi, on the right wing. Thus, Enrique would have needed to find a way to accommodate both players in the same team but it should have been possible.

Lamine Yamal, compared to some of the best in his position. (Source: DataMB)

Messi is equally adept at playing through the middle as a number 10 or as a false-nine. If needed, Lamine would also have been able to do a job from the left, although that position in that team firmly belonged to Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr.

A new era; a familiar role

While comparisons can be tricky in football, it’s hard not to see echoes of Messi’s influence in the way everything flows through Lamine Yamal in this current Barcelona side. He has already become a central figure under Hansi Flick, showing maturity and decision-making beyond his years.

Next season will mark a new chapter, one where he’s no longer just a promising teenager but expected to compete with the best in the world. If recent performances are any indication, Yamal is more than ready for the challenge.