Rare talents like Lamine Yamal are disappearing from modern football – Nicolas Anelka

Nicolas Anelka has heaped praise on Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal, insisting players of his profile are now a dying breed in the modern game.

The former Real Madrid forward highlighted the teenager’s mix of flair, end product, and maturity as something that sets him apart.

“He’s a very good and talented player. Plus, he’s very young. He’s one of the most skilful players. He scores goals, he provides assists,” Anelka said, underlining how consistently Yamal influences matches. “He’s always creating something on the pitch. There aren’t many players like him anymore. We used to have many players like him. But now he’s one of the greatest talents in Europe and the world.”

Anelka went even further, placing Yamal alongside Kylian Mbappe in the very top bracket. “Along with Mbappé, I think they’re both the best. Especially when I was talking about France and Spain. He’ll play for Spain and Mbappé for France. So it’s going to be a big battle. It’s already a big battle between Barcelona and Real Madrid… and it will continue for a long time,” he added, predicting a long-lasting rivalry between the two superstars on both club and international stages.
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