FC Barcelona were dealt a significant setback earlier this week when they were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Atletico Madrid.
Even though they won the second leg of their quarter-final tie at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the first leg loss last week meant they were eliminated on aggregate scoreline.
Despite the heartbreak, there were several positives for the Blaugrana from the night, one of which was Lamine Yamal and his emergence as a leader of the pack despite being only 18 years old.
Having promised the fans to give everything on the pitch, Lamine more than delivered and came within touching distance of taking Barça through to the semi-finals.
Neymar waxes lyrical about Lamine Yamal
Following Barcelona’s exit from the Champions League, former superstar Neymar has come out and praised Lamine Yamal, hailing him as one of the best young talents in the game ever.
The 18-year-old has time and again spoken about how he idolises the Brazilian maverick, and the admiration is reciprocated from the other side.
“I truly believe Lamine is one of the greatest teenage sensations football’s ever seen,” Neymar said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
“There was Leo Messi, there was me — but what this kid is doing at 18 years old is simply something unreal.”
Sympathising with the teenager for the Champions League exit, Neymar added: “I felt for him when got knocked out of the Champions League. Lamine gave everything, he even sparked the comeback. But this is football, anything can happen.”
Concluding, Neymar backed Lamine to achieve all the success in the future.
“His time is coming! I hope he wins the Champions League next year… and why not the Ballon d’Or too? He’s so special. One of those players I’ll always be rooting for, for sure”
