Barcelona director lavishes praise on teenage phenom – ‘People see his magic’ | OneFootball

Barcelona sporting director Deco has addressed the growing comparisons between teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and club legend Lionel Messi, calling for perspective and patience while also recognising the unique magic the 17-year-old brings to the pitch.

“Lamine is Lamine. Leo is Leo,” Deco told the BBC. “Leo was the best player in the history of this club, for me, the best player in history.”

While acknowledging the unparalleled legacy of Messi, Deco made it clear that Yamal deserves to be appreciated on his own terms, rather than being burdened with impossible comparisons.

“Everyone becomes crazy when they see Lamine playing football. You would pay to go watch him in the stadium — he’s special,” said Deco.

“He wanted to stay because he believes in the project. He deserves an improved salary.”

Everyone is enjoying Yamal’s rapid rise

Lamine Yamal has earned an improved contract. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Barcelona fans and neutrals have marvelled at Yamal’s meteoric rise, and Deco’s words only confirm the club’s faith in the youngster as a cornerstone of their future.

“He’s going to be one of the best players in the world,” Deco predicted, while also urging supporters and the media to respect his age.

“He’s 17. It’s not easy to compare, but Lamine, in terms of quality, can make history like Leo. But of course, to make history, he needs to have a good team behind him.”

Lastly, Deco also lifted the lid on the growing commercial and media attention surrounding the winger, which is a challenge that every prodigy in the modern game must deal with. “We try to not let him do everything,” Deco admitted.

“Sometimes the sponsors and everyone want his shirt or time. Sometimes we can’t control everything, but people see his magic, on and off the pitch.

“They want to have a piece of him, and we need to help him manage that,” he concluded.