Messi-Level Talent? Aguero Says Only One Player Stands in Front of Yamal
Sergio Aguero has delivered glowing praise for Lamine Yamal, suggesting the Barcelona wonderkid is already operating at a level that surpasses nearly every player in world football, with only one major exception standing out.
The former Manchester City striker and Barcelona figure believes the teenager possesses a rare quality that has not been seen at Camp Nou since Lionel Messi left, highlighting his extraordinary rise at such an early stage.
Lamine Yamal earns high praise from Sergio Aguero, who compares his talent to Messi and ranks him above most stars, with Mbappe as main rival in football.
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Speaking to Stake, Aguero expressed his admiration, saying: "There are many people who make different comparisons, but as a player, and based on my experience in football, he is one who is as good as the very best. Having good and bad games is normal - I want everyone to go and watch him. The movements, the passes, the dribbling, the agility he has and how he gets out of situations that look impossible… the guy who did that before was Leo Messi," the Argentine explained.
Since breaking into the first team, Yamal has become a defining figure in Barcelona’s new era, dazzling with his ability to glide past defenders and influence matches in tight spaces, earning widespread admiration across the football world.
Aguero also pointed out that while Yamal stands above most players, Kylian Mbappe remains the only footballer who can currently be placed in the same conversation at the very top of the game.
"Today there is no comparison for me. Lamine is above many players. Maybe you can say Mbappe today, but we know the kind of player he is - very aggressive in 1v1, he has goals, he’s very good. But Lamine has other things that not many have. I like those short passes and those decisions… they are different. It’s very difficult to stop Lamine," Aguero added.
The statistics back up the growing hype, with Yamal registering 23 goals and 18 assists across all competitions this season, leading Barcelona’s push on multiple fronts.
Comparisons with Messi have naturally followed, especially after Aguero admitted his disbelief when first watching the youngster emerge from La Masia.
"When I started watching Barca after he broke through I had no words to describe it. He has a talent that is very difficult to find. You have to enjoy him," Aguero noted.
Despite the expectations surrounding him, Yamal continues to perform with composure, as Barcelona now focus on securing La Liga success under Hansi Flick, holding a nine-point advantage ahead of their clash with Celta Vigo on Wednesday.