Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona sensation, is already making a name for himself with his lightning-quick moves and exceptional skill on the wings. However, he believes that his future lies in a central role, much like his idol Lionel Messi, in order to escape the constant triple-marking he faces from opposing teams.
Emulating the Messi Playmaking Style
Yamal's rise to fame has drawn parallels with Messi's own trajectory, with many noting the similarities in their playing styles. The Argentine legend's transition from a winger to a central playmaker is an inspiration to Yamal, who expects to follow a similar path. As he explained in an interview with El Mundo, "I think Leo was also marked by three players. And the only place where three players can’t mark you is in the middle. There are too many players there. As time goes on, I’ll end up there, because it’s very easy to defend with three on the wings, but they can’t mark me in the middle."
Unleashing His Full Potential
Currently, Yamal is a fixture on the right flank, using his pace and trickery to unbalance deep blocks. Nevertheless, he feels that his true potential as a match-winner lies in the pocket between defensive lines, where he can take on defenders one-on-one. "I can take on defenders one-on-one in the middle. I’m a more decisive player if I turn in the middle than if I turn out wide," he noted. "Obviously, right now I think it’s better for the team if I’m out wide. But there will come a time when I’ll be more decisive in the middle. And I’ll end up there."
Overcoming the Challenges of Triple-Marking
Opponents have quickly realized that leaving Yamal in a one-on-one situation is a recipe for disaster, and as a result, he is often crowded out by multiple defenders. However, he remains calm and composed, focusing on involving his teammates to bypass these tactical traps. When asked about the attention he receives, he replied, "At least three [markers]. If I’m lucky, two. But one-on-one, never, ever, ever. So I start thinking about plays: I talk to the full-back and tell him, 'If I give you the ball, do this.' The manager tells me, 'If you have three, there are three teammates free.' So it’s about playing at the back, obviously, but the dribbling is all about improvising. You don’t plan it. It’s impossible."
The Hype Surrounding the Young Star
As Spain prepares for their 2026 World Cup clash with Saudi Arabia, the hype surrounding Yamal has reached a fever pitch. Rival managers, including Saudi boss Georgios Donis, are taking notice of the youngster's incredible maturity on the pitch. Despite the comparisons to Messi, Yamal remains grounded, saying "Impossible. Impossible. Impossible" when asked if he could see himself emulating Messi's career by playing at the age of 40.
