Villarreal CF defensive midfielder Pape Gueye has come under scrutiny after sharing his thoughts on young Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, whose rise to prominence has captured the attention of football fans around the world.
Gueye, who faced the 17-year-old talent in a recent match, expressed his admiration for Yamal’s skills but his comments have sparked a heated reaction, particularly over his comparison of the teenager to football legend Lionel Messi.
In an interview, Gueye spoke candidly about the challenge of defending against Yamal, describing the Barcelona forward as both exceptional and, at times, intimidating.
“Some people were saying, ‘Wallah, he’s better than Messi,’” Gueye revealed. “At one point, he looked me straight in the eyes… I immediately backed away and thought to myself, ‘I don’t want to end up in a TikTok montage, I’d rather finish the season peacefully.’ Honestly, he’s really strong.”
Gueye went on to highlight Yamal’s composure and maturity for someone so young, emphasizing the teenager’s ability to control the tempo of Barcelona’s play despite his age.
“Today, he’s the one who orchestrates Barça’s game… at only 17 years old! He’s already very mature in his way of playing,” Gueye said. “The coach even asked us to double-team him.”
While Gueye’s comments were meant to underscore his respect for Yamal’s ability, his comparison of the young forward to Messi and his description of the match caused a stir, particularly on social media.
Critics were quick to point out that such a comparison might be premature, with some expressing concern over the pressure it could place on the teenager’s shoulders.
The statement also sparked debate regarding the broader implications of comparing any young player to Messi, widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Yamal, still in the early stages of his career, has already drawn widespread attention for his performances with Barcelona and Spain, but many feel that placing him in the same conversation as Messi sets an unrealistic standard.
On social media, some users expressed disapproval of Gueye’s comments, calling the comparison “disrespectful” and “exaggerated.” Others argued that while Yamal is undeniably talented, comparisons to Messi at such an early stage of his career could overshadow his own potential and create undue pressure.
Despite the backlash, Gueye’s comments also highlight the immense promise Yamal has shown in his fledgling career. In just a short time, the young forward has already demonstrated a maturity and composure on the ball that belies his age, with many observers predicting a bright future for the 17-year-old.
His performances for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team have only added to the growing excitement surrounding his development.
Gueye’s remarks were not meant to diminish Yamal’s achievements, but rather to acknowledge his exceptional talent in a highly competitive environment.
However, the unintended consequences of comparing a young player to Messi have overshadowed the intended message, fueling debate about the expectations placed on Yamal’s shoulders.
For now, Lamine Yamal continues to impress with his performances, and while the comparisons to Messi may persist, it is clear that the teenager has the potential to carve out his own legacy in the world of football.
As for Gueye, his comments have prompted a reminder of how sensitive the footballing community can be when it comes to discussions about emerging talent, especially when it comes to comparisons with some of the game’s greatest players.
