Barcelona legend shares fascinating verdict on Lamine Yamal’s comparison with Lionel Messi: ‘Let’s hope…’ | OneFootball

Barcelona icon Luis Suarez has praised both Lamine Yamal and Hansi Flick during a wide-ranging interview, describing the teenage sensation as one of the standout performers at the FIFA World Cup while also explaining why Barcelona continue to thrive under their German coach.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the former Blaugrana striker reflected on Yamal’s growing influence for Spain, addressed the inevitable comparisons with Lionel Messi and shared his admiration for the work Flick has done since taking charge at Barcelona.

With Lamine continuing to attract worldwide attention and Barcelona entering another ambitious season under Flick, Suarez was quick to call out the evident quality that the fans have witnessed.

Yamal is becoming Spain’s biggest threat

Suarez first discussed Yamal’s impact during Spain’s World Cup campaign, highlighting how quickly the teenager changes the dynamic of a match whenever he steps onto the pitch.

Reflecting on Spain’s opening game against Cape Verde, Suarez said,

“In the first match against Cape Verde, Spain had plenty of possession, but it didn’t translate into many clear-cut chances, apart from Ferran Torres’ in the first half.

“But when Lamine came on, you could tell straight away: all his teammates were looking for him, passing him the ball, and you knew something was going to happen – a cross, a run down the wing, a shot, whatever. 

“He drew more attention from the defenders.”

Lamine Yamal has been a sensation this season. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Suarez believes the Barcelona winger has continued to grow with every appearance at the tournament.

Speaking about Spain’s second match against Saudi Arabia, he added,

“Lamine is a player who’s going from strength to strength in this World Cup.

“He knows the spotlight is on him, even though there are some absolutely brilliant players standing out at the World Cup, but a lot of eyes are on him. He knows it and is handling the responsibility quite well.”

Suarez refuses to compare Yamal with Messi

As Lamine’s performances continue to generate comparisons with Lionel Messi, Suarez urged fans to allow the youngster to develop without placing unnecessary expectations on his shoulders.

Asked whether the teenager reminds him of Barcelona’s greatest-ever player, Suarez responded,

“Comparisons are odious. They’re different players. Yes, they’re both left-footed and have the same quality, but they’re completely different players. 

“There are the results, and what Leo continues to achieve at his age. Let’s hope Lamine reaches at least that same level.”

Praise for Flick

Suarez has nothing but praise for Flick. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The former Barcelona striker then turned his attention to Hansi Flick, reserving special praise for the German’s leadership and the identity he has established at the club.

Speaking about Barcelona’s current project, Suarez said,

“Impressive. The truth is that every year it seems they say the same thing: that they won’t be able to cope with the intensity, that they won’t be able to withstand the high press, that their high defensive line will come back to haunt them… And yet they keep doing it.

“They’ve been playing with the same philosophy, the same players and the same high standards for some time now. And the team keeps delivering.

“What’s more, Flick seems to be a manager who’s very close to his players. He speaks honestly and tells them the truth. 

“If a player isn’t going to feature in a match, he explains why. That’s very important for the players.

“He’s an approachable manager who understands what the individual player needs, as well as what the team as a whole needs. And this, especially in a team like Barcelona, is very important,” he concluded.