Ex-Real Madrid star hails Barcelona sensation as the ‘best in the world’ along with Mbappe | OneFootball

Speaking in an exclusive interview with SPORT, former Real Madrid and Arsenal star Nicolas Anelka has hailed Barcelona gem Lamine Yamal as one of the best in the world, along with Kylian Mbappe.

Anelka, who enjoyed a glittering career with spells at some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Real Madrid, Arsenal, Juventus, Liverpool and PSG, spoke highly of Lamine and how the teenager is a player who excites him.

“He is a very good and talented player. He is also very young. He is one of the most skilful players. He scores goals and provides assists. He is always creating something on the pitch,” said Anelka.

The 46-year-old former striker, who also admitted that he was once close to signing for Barcelona, further claimed that there were very few players of Lamine’s quality left in the game now.

“There are not many players like him. Not anymore. We used to have many players like that. But now he is one of the great talents in Europe and the world,” he stated.

Lamine Yamal has a fan in Nicolas Anelka. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Continuing, Anelka added: “As much as Mbappe, I think they are the two best. Especially when I was talking about France and Spain. He will play for Spain and Mbappe for France. So it’s going to be a great battle.

“It’s already a great battle between Barcelona and Real Madrid… and it will continue for a long time.”

On being asked if players like Lamine are becoming rare in modern football, Anelka replied in the affirmative, saying:

“Yes, we don’t have players like that anymore. So it’s good to see him play. Because as veteran players, we miss players like him. He’s not a true striker.

“We miss players like him. And unfortunately, we don’t have many anymore. So we’re happy to see him play. And hopefully, he’ll continue to play like that for a long time.”