Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has warned against comparing teenage winger Lamine Yamal to club legend Lionel Messi, describing such parallels as “crazy” despite the young star’s early exploits.
The 18-year-old has drawn attention for his acrobatic goal in Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Real Oviedo on Sunday, which helped the team move to the top of LaLiga.
Yamal carving his own path
Olmo stressed that the young Spain international of Moroccan descent has his own development trajectory, separate from Messi, even though both emerged from La Masia, Barcelona’s famed youth academy.
“Lamine is a ‘spectacle,’ he is very young, what he’s giving us now is incredible, and in the future it will be a lot more,” Olmo said ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League clash with FC Copenhagen on Wednesday.
He added that the club’s role is to support the teenager while letting him follow his own path. “If Lamine plays well, wins, and scores goals, then the team will win. It’s a collective thing in the end.”
Record-breaking start to a promising career
Yamal made his Barcelona debut at just 15 and has already set several records, including becoming the youngest LaLiga goalscorer.
He also played a pivotal role in Spain’s EURO 2024 triumph and was crucial in Barcelona’s run to the Champions League semi-finals last season, showcasing his maturity beyond his years.
Barcelona eye top-eight finish
Olmo’s comments came as Barcelona prepare to host Copenhagen in a decisive Champions League group-stage clash. Coach Hansi Flick confirmed that Pedri Gonzalez is sidelined with injury while Frenkie de Jong serves a suspension, though Ferran Torres may return.
Flick emphasized the challenge posed by Copenhagen and the importance of securing a top-eight spot to advance directly to the last 16. “We have a big chance to finish in the top eight; we will do everything we can to reach it,” he said.
