Former Barcelona star backs Lamine Yamal to become the best in the world: ‘He was about to last year’ | OneFootball

Thiago Alcantara’s playing days might already be behind him, but he continues to be involved in the football circuit, and rather extensively.

The talented Spanish midfielder took to coaching after hanging up his boots and spent last season as part of Hansi Flick’s coaching staff at Barça.

Thiago left at the end of the season to build his own path, but his time with the Catalan club offers a lot of insight into some players during training.

Speaking with Rio Ferdinand on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents, Thiago was asked whether he thinks Lamine can become the best player in the world.

Here is what the former La Masia graduate said: “Yeah, he was about to last year, so why not? Now with the World Cup, he’s playing good, he made a massive change for Spain and why not next years?”

On his way to the top of the mountain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

How it feels to train with Lamine

Thiago did not stop there. He spoke about training against Lamine in small-sided matches at Barcelona and what that experience is like.

He said: “I was in the pitch to train with him to see how good players are or what patterns they have and talking about small-sided games, he made a difference in those games.

“You know when he’s on one side of the two or three teams, the team will win.”

Lamine may be just 18 years old, but he is already being spoken about as one of the best in the world.

From Thiago’s words, one can get an insight into what it is like to face the teenager in training and how much of a difference he makes.

Spain’s World Cup hopes hinge on Lamine. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Spain’s World Cup hopes hinge on him

Lamine may have scored just one goal in four World Cup games so far, but he has already made a difference since coming into the team.

The Spaniard was awarded MOTM for his display against Austria a few nights ago. He might still not be at 100 percent, but Lamine still finds a way to be important.

Spain’s hopes of making a deep run in the tournament are directly dependent on the Barcelona star, as stated by the legendary Andres Iniesta. In Nico Williams’ injury absence, La Roja need Lamine even more.

It remains to be seen whether the 18-year-old can continue to do what he does best and impress for Spain in the upcoming Portugal game and beyond.