Gabriel Jesus sees Neymar qualities in Lamine Yamal as Barcelona star continues to shine

Gabriel Jesus has drawn comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Neymar, highlighting the Barcelona winger’s dribbling ability, personality and remarkable maturity despite his young age.

Jesus, who joined Barcelona after falling down the pecking order at Arsenal over the past year, has quickly formed an appreciation for his new teammate following his first month in Catalonia.

The Brazilian forward left the Premier League champions in search of a fresh challenge in LaLiga and is expected to operate as a rotation option in Hansi Flick’s attack.

He will compete for opportunities alongside Yamal, Raphinha, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, but it is the teenage Spanish international who has made the strongest impression on him.

Jesus sees shades of Neymar

Having played alongside Neymar during his career, Jesus believes Yamal possesses several qualities that remind him of the Brazilian superstar.

“Neymar is the most virtuoso footballer I’ve ever played with, he could do everything with both feet. For me, he’s untouchable, nobody compares to him.”

Jesus was quick to stress that he still considers Neymar to be in a class of his own, but acknowledged similarities between the former Barcelona star and Yamal.

“But it’s true that Lamine Yamal has some of his qualities, like his dribbling and personality. He’s still very young, but he does things like a mature player, as if he were 30 years old.”

The comments underline the impression Yamal has made on Jesus since the forward arrived at Barcelona.

At just 19, Yamal has already established himself as one of the most influential players in Barcelona’s attack and a key figure for Spain.

‘He’s a genius’

Jesus believes Yamal’s development has continued at an extraordinary rate and expects the winger to improve even further.

“He’s a genius who improves every year and becomes more and more of a genius.”

Yamal’s ability to combine close control, creativity and confidence has made him one of the most watched young players in European football.

For Jesus, however, it is not simply the winger’s technical quality that stands out. His personality and ability to perform beyond his years have also impressed the Brazilian.

That combination has allowed Yamal to become a regular focal point of Barcelona’s attack despite his age, while continuing to attract comparisons with some of the game’s most gifted players.

Jesus backs Yamal for Ballon d’Or

Jesus has also backed his new teammate in the race for the Ballon d’Or, although he acknowledged that the criteria used to determine the award can vary.

“I don’t like to talk about the Ballon d’Or, because I don’t know if they reward a player’s talent, their performance, or titles, but Lamine Yamal is the player I’ve enjoyed watching the most for years.”

The Brazilian believes Yamal’s achievements have strengthened his case for the individual prize.

“This year he’s won almost everything. So, for me, he’s the favourite.”

For Jesus, his first month at Barcelona has therefore provided an opportunity to see Yamal up close rather than simply watching his performances from afar.

And while he insists Neymar remains the most gifted player he has shared a dressing room with, Jesus sees enough of the Brazilian in Yamal to believe Barcelona’s teenage star is following a similarly special path.