Barcelona rising star warned not to follow in the footsteps of Real Madrid talisman | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal has received widespread praise this season for his tremendous breakthrough under Hansi Flick.

Aged just 17, Yamal is already a Euro 2024 champion and has recently helped Barcelona secure the Copa del Rey.

In light of his early success, many have advised Barcelona to be cautious with the forward’s development so that the player doesn’t go down the wrong path.

Graeme Souness’ advice to Yamal

A similar advice was given by former Liverpool midfielder and British football pundit, Graeme Souness, recently.

Writing a column for the Daily Mail, Souness wrote a scathing criticism of Jude Bellingham and his attitude.

In fact, he used Bellingham as an example for Yamal and how he needs to avoid becoming like the Real Madrid midfielder.

Souness has been highly critical of Bellingham’s performances (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

“Watching Bellingham at Real Madrid lately has worried me,” Souness writes in his column (h/t SPORT).

“He had an incredible first season in Spain and seemed to be conquering the world, but now I have a bad feeling he’s not listening anymore. I hope I’m wrong, but this season has been a disappointment, and you have to question his behaviour at times,” he added.

Souness pointed out how Bellingham has been unnecessarily going into heated arguments with referees and that if he is following someone’s advice, then that advice is going in the wrong direction.

To that end, Souness warned Spain sensation Lamine Yamal that he should not follow what Bellingham was doing whatsoever.

“He’s the perfect example of what Lamine Yamal must avoid. Without a doubt, we’re seeing the beginnings of a very special talent. At just 17 years old, he makes decisions that one would expect from much older players,” he wrote.

Souness’ thoughts come just before Barcelona’s high-voltage affair against Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinal, where Yamal is expected to play a crucial role.