Barcelona legend backs Lamine Yamal to carry the No. 10 shirt – ‘I think he deserves it’ | OneFootball

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, at 17 years of age, is one of the most marketable footballers in the sport not only for his quality on the field but also his life off it.

The youngster, after enjoying a historic season as Barcelona’s starting winger, is going to take over the No. 10 shirt ahead of the new campaign.

After all, Ansu Fati has left the club and the jersey number is now vacant, one that has been seen as only fitting for Yamal for a long time now. At this point, his taking over Lionel Messi’s number is an open secret.

Rivaldo’s thoughts

Speaking to the media recently, Barcelona legend Rivaldo touched upon Lamine Yamal inheriting the special No. 10 jersey at Barcelona next season despite it not being officially confirmed.

“[Very happy] for what he has achieved in Barcelona and in the Spanish national team,” he began, stating that Yamal deserved the jersey.

He then went on to stress that Yamal was the most fitting successor for the iconic jersey number and that Yamal had the personality to carry it.

“Barça’s 10 shirt is in very good hands. I think he deserves it, because this number requires a lot of responsibility, but he has a lot of personality.”

Barcelona’s next No. 10 (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

The Brazilian legend then spoke on how Yamal always played with maturity beyond his years and how it made him the ideal fit.

“I think it will not be a problem for him, because he plays with incredible tranquility and does not seem to be the age he is when you see him on the field.”

“Yamal has the personality that is expected of a 25 or 26-year-old player,” he added.

Rivaldo also gave his two cents on Barcelona’s rumoured signing of Nico Williams and whether or not the Basque winger would be a good fit.

“If the signing is confirmed, it will be very good.”

“I think Barça’s squad this season already had a lot of quality, but when a player of this level arrives, the chances of winning everything increase even more, especially the Champions League, which is Barcelona’s great goal,” he added.

Finally, he called for patience until the move was confirmed.

“We are going to wait and wish that he really reaches the team next season.”

Source: SPORT