It’s a press conference, he was asked about Yamal in comparison to Messi (Capello famously saw Messi’s debut at the Gamper trophy in 2004 and wanted to sign him for Juventus), he’s just answering that honestly
Fair enough, would have been surprised such gentleman to make unnecessary comparison.
L E. I remember that game, I watched it on a bootleg stream. That kid bullying arguably the best defenders on the planet at the time
Not everything has an agenda. This was just an interesting question asked to him considering he saw Messi at such a young age, and Yamal is now doing so exceptional at such a young age.
Although I’d say it’s early, this man knows football. but we shouldn’t be pitting Lamine Yamal to Messi, he’s not just talented but a visionary on the pitch. that is what set him apart from Cristiano mostly, both tremendously talented, but Messi rarely makes the wrong decision.
his Football IQ is best embodied with the assist he made in the goal to the Netherlands. How did he see that? that to me is his craziest work of art in his career.
It reminded me of what Valdano said after Maradona scored that goal against England after dribbling past everyone and the keeper. Valdano said Maradona apologized for not passing it to him, that he kept seeing him running along but couldn’t find the gap to give him the ball. The man had 5-6 defenders, all running at full speed and still knew where his teammates were, and if they’re open or not.
As a Dutch man I remember that goal all too well lol. But it was an insane pass, there was a ultra slomo of Messi running with the ball before pasing and his eyes just switch back and forth from the ball to Van Dijk and nothing else. My friends and I were astonished how he'd ever see the man behind him running in order to pass to him. Could've been asked for the ball or did it on blank judgement but to deliver such a perfect pass is still insanely impressive
Of of all things Messi has done in his career you think his assists against netherlands is the craziest things he’s done? You started watching last worldcup for sure
how sad that’s what you get from my comment. It’s comments like yours that discourage conversations on Reddit. Your comment makes you happy?
to answer you politely though, no I’ve possibly seen more football than you have as I’ve been a fan of this club since shortly after the Maradona times, and that’s why i quoted Valdano. And yes, I do think that pass he makes really embodies his greatness, that’s a play I can confidently say that not a single other player in the world is capable of performing on purpose the way he did. Thats the moment I knew Argentina would win the cup, because it reminded me of the determination and inspiration i saw in Maradona back in 86.
Imo he's already made a better assist on miami. Its not remotely the same tier of defenders, but still. He's done loads more impressive things. His goal vs brazil, his insane solo goal vs bilbao, his maradona goal (not the hand of god goal).
The netherlands assist might be a great characterization of him as a player, but no way his greatest feat.
it's different when it’s done in such an important moment in time. You could argue for example his most important goal ever was his goal against Mexico. Or the one against Getafe, or the one against Bilbao, etc His career can have a highlight reel that lasts 3 hours+
that pass though, that just shows how Messi has a vision of the field as if he was playing FIFA on the PlayStation. i think that’s just a great example of what sets him apart from any player we have nowadays in Europe.
You don’t have to tell me you’ve been watching since maradonna to prove your point💀 that play you mentioned is the most normal messi pass but too bad you’re capping and probably started watching last worldcup
don’t get me wrong, I do pity the fact this seems to be your one outlet and that’s why the unnecessary tone in your comments. But these people here on this clip, ex professionals and TV pundits seem to find it more astonishing than you. you Should reach out to these studios, your knowledge shouldnt be wasted on just angry Reddit postings. Maybe you should get a job there after you graduate from school.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sceUWR24izg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sceUWR24izg)
It’s not, but it’s testament to what he is able to produce, even at the age of 35. It shows that he was practically born to play this game and is a timeless player. Whether he is 24 or is 35, Messi will forever be a threat no matter what age.
what? I actually loved watching Cristiano play. It was a thing of beauty those 10-15 years they gave us. It’s a shame people wasted so many time hating on one without appreciating what we had in front of us. I don’t think we’ll witness another duel like theirs in our lifetimes. Not mine at least.
I do think Messi is a notch above Cristiano though. Cristiano was special human specimen, mind and body, mixed with a great talent. But Messi was Da Vinci combined with Speedy Gonzáles
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both on the same level. Nobody would be compared to them.
Maradona is better than Messi, but not describing Cristiano Ronaldo as a football genius is disgusting
Ok, that’s fine. That’s your opinion and I respect it. I can see why you can think that too, I get the opinion of his fans.
my opinion though is that he’s not on the same level, and you should respect that as well. No need to take anything personal or feel disgusted by different opinions.
Capello does have a keen eye for talent. He backed messi way back in 04 or 05 saying I want this guy.
I am fine with Lamine Yamal not being as good as messi. That can't be the benchmark.
If anyone watched Cr7 at 19-20 years, they all felt hes gonna become a great player but no one expected him to be in the shouts for GOAT level 20 years from then.
If you are really talented, you work hard and is managed well - you can become an exceptional player even if you aren't a born genius.
Yep and even if he isn't a genius but turns out to be like Pedro or Villa type of player who might not be the next big star but is reliable and works hard I'm calling it a big succes!
That was an argument made for Maradona>Messi until 2022.
Besides, Villa has more goals for Spain so isn't just a t the WC but Villa being better for Spain than Raul
You threw in WC 2010 as an argument. I'm just saying that's a fool's argument. We're running in circles here.
I've already stated that there's more than just goals and that if one reaaally wants to use goals as the single most important stat, at the very least take into account how much the team dominated. Villa had the best midfield ever to provide him. Raul saw his country fail the group stage in 1998, needed penalties against Ireland in 2002 and failed to reach the QF in 2006.
My god, man. Raul had a significant worse midfield behind him, consisting of players like Valeron, De Pedro, Albelda, Sergio and Joaquin. Good players, certainly, but not Xavi, Busquets or Iniesta.
Except that Raul had the chance to play in 2008 Euro but due to him being a toxic player he wasn't selected.
Also, do you realize that Spain midfield in World Cup 2006 was stacked? Xavi, Iniesta, Xabi, Cesc and Torres played in the final game against France. Ramos, Puyol and Casillas were also there and Arangones was also there. It was pretty much the same team as 2010 minus Pique and Busi.
But the main difference is that Villa performed while Raul didn't. Villa was key to beat Chile, Paraguay and Portugal while Raul ghosted.
Not really. Raul was a more decorated player for sure. Pound for pound I will pick villa over raul in a team- more clinical, more all round, clutch and adapts to game style much better.
Ya, not really
David Villa
UCL - 14 goals in 47 games. 0.29 goals per game
La Liga - 185 goals in 353 games - 0.52 goals per game
Spain - 59 goals in 98 games - 0.6 goals per game
Raul
UCL- 71 goals in 142 games. 0.5 goals per game
La LIga - 228 goals in 550 games - 0.41 goals per game
Spain - 44 goals in 102 games - 0.43 goals per game
Raul played 2 Euros and 3 Worldcups
Scored 5 goals in 11 matches in Worldcup and 1 goal in 7 matches in Euros
Villa played 3 worldcups and 1 Euro
Scored 9 goals in 12 matchs in worldcup
4 goals in 4 matches in Euro
and 6 goals in 8 matches for confederations cup.
Villa as you can see had better goal scoring at NT and La Liga and is behind in UCL. Keep in mind that VIlla got his big team move only when he was age 28-29 to Barca where he only played 3 seasons of UCL. So for most his career Villa was outscoring Raul when they were facing the same opponents in la liga and with an inferior team.
So no, Raul wasn't "something else".
If you remove the stats and do an eye test, the fact will remain the same.
> So no, Raul wasn't "something else".
My ass.
Look, if we're only taking into account goals, sure, Villa will win that one. But stating Raul wasn't something else, doesn't make any sense whatsoever.
Villa also had his luck that he was supported by the best midfield the world has ever seen. You want to talk goals as a primary reason, than you should also take into account how many chances were created and how much the team dominated.
> So for most his career Villa was outscoring Raul when they were facing the same opponents in la liga and with an inferior team.
You could state that he was outscoring him, but whereas Raul had many seasons where he was a supportive forward, creating a shitload of goals. He was the one creating chances for Morientes and Ronaldo, Villa was the deepest lying striker.
Lmao- did you read the comment above mine, to which I replied to.
The guy specficially said " Raul was also a better goal scorer" - i debunked that over there.
Villa was fluid to play anywhere on the front 3. You can check his stats for assits at Valencia, Barca or Spain-they are ahead of Rauls.
Mate Villa played with the best midfield only for 3 seasons. In the second season he broke his foot and was out for more than 6 months coming back only the next season which was his last season at Barca.
Raul played with Zidane, Figo, Beckham, then later with Sneijder, Robben and a lot of other great midfielders. On an average Raul played with far better players than Villa did.
I love Pedro and Villa to death and wish we had a player like either of them on our team today
But, I would be kinda disappointed if that’s Yamal’s peak ngl
I'd say raphina is our villa/pedro type player! He might not be the most skilled baller but a Goal or Assist per game is great and his work rate off the ball is absolutely amazing! Ferran Torres was signed to be that player but he doesn't seem to get it going.
Ans with the Yamal topic I get what you mean and don't get me wrong I hope Yamal becomes the leader of this squad in the future but if he doesn't its fine you know.
> I would be kinda disappointed if that’s Yamal’s peak ngl
Frankly, I just don't see how a player with all of Lamine's attributes right now at age 16, who's already one of the most productive RW in the league, is anything less than world class by the time he's 21.
He already has the technical ability. In a few years, he should have the physical maturity too, with hopefully no serious injury.
Really, the only question I have is whether his mental ability will be there.
The next 3 years or so should give us a clearer picture of where he may end up, but assuming everything comes together, he'll be elite for sure.
Yamal is ahead of Messi in terms of development and accomplishment on the first team at the same age. That is good enough for me. Let him develop at his own pace. He is on a magnificent trajectory.
Maybe 25 years down the line, he will provide the worthy 4th face on the Mt. Rushmore of football to go along with Pele, Maradona, Messi. But that's getting ahead of ourselves. Enjoy him now. I don't think I'm wrong about him though. He's not like the other precocious talents we have.
Ya but you have to understand. Lamal debuted a solid 12-14 months in age before messi.
The reason for that being - our current scenario. Plus back then you weren't making 15-16 year olds debut.
Messi had trained with the team before his debut as well and people already knew he was at the level but they still held out on that debut.
Full quotes from Capello
>**On Lamine Yamal**
>He has a lot of quality and is very interesting talent, but he will not reach the genius status like Messi, Pelé, and Maradona. Those are geniuses in football history..
>**On Portugal NT regarding Euro 2024**
>As a coach, the most important person on the field is always the leader [of your team]. And the leader in Portugal NT is Pepe
>**On the Messi vs Cristiano comparison**
>Cristiano is a great player, a great goalscorer. He won titles and Ballon d'Ors, but he hasn't been great like Messi. He's a great footballer, but he's not a genius.
I don't know about Pele and Maradona. Football changed. It's more of a teamsport now and depends a lot on strategy and tactics.
And Pele never played for Europe, so how is that a comparison?
Watch Pelé vs Europeans on YouTube. He probably had a higher win % against them than against Brazilians in Brasileirão, he scored 208 goals in 201 matches against them.
There are pros and cons in both eras. Players today face teams that are well versed on strategy and tactics even if it’s second or third tier. But they also have countless hours of footage to analyze and learn from, skills and techniques of the yesteryears to emulate, advanced sports science to help them recover/refrain from injuries, most even have dieticians and personal physicians and chefs to look after their body. Moreover they are protected from harsh tackles unlike the old times where you had to break an ankle to be carded.
Pele and Maradona did things that were unseen before them and that is the single most reason that warrants respect. They walked so that Messi and Cristiano could run.
Hes comparing him to some of the best players of all time. This isnt really that crazy of an opinion. Its more likely that Yamal wont be as good as the best player of all time than that he will be. Which is completely fine. We wont see another Messi for a very long time.
This is my hot take: Capello helped Lamine Yamal.
Nobody agrees to what he said but this is really helpful in order to lower over hype and higher expectations on LY allowing him to continue his development without media pressure.
I agree. Hyping up the kid now will only hurt him. Just let him be. When Messi left we already knew we'd never see something like that ever again. We don't expect Lamine to be as good as Messi. That's just unfair.
As a Barça fan, I'm already in awe of Lamine's level. Everytime he has the ball you know something's about to happen. Not too many players have made me feel this way and it's only his first season playing professional football!!! Just insane. If he can maintain this same level throughout his career and doesn't have bad luck with injuries, I'd consider it a huge success.
With Lamine, we basically got a ≈€100M level player for free. Developed here, understands our values and playing style & loves the club just as much as any other Barça fan. What else can you ask for.
I mean it's not like he is downplaying Yamal, if anything this is shielding him from unnecessary pressure. There are many exceptional and legend in this sports, none of them reached the status of those three. It's okay to not be Messi, only Messi himself can be Messi
It’s early days, but I agree. In any case, Lamine is en route to become one of the best footballers of his generation and that’s already good enough for Barça.
Man is making judgements on a 16 year old. You never know what can happen.
when I was 16 years old, my math teacher told me that I won't be able to do anything good in life and am worthless. Now I am a Mechanical Engineer and earning more than her (she deserved more pay to be honest).
She couldn't afford rent on her own, yet she raised a kid with her husband that didn't earn much. Yes, she was shit to me and made rude comments but me and the other students wanted every teacher in the school to be paid a decent amount.
The monthly salary for teachers in the school I attended was roughly 800 Euros per month. Bus drivers were paid 1500 euros per month.
You got downvoted but it's true it's not hard becoming a teacher really. That doesn't mean it's not an important job though. And there is a huge difference between a bad teacher and a good teacher. Becoming a bad teacher is easy. Being a good teacher is not easy.
Teaching is hard I agree, especially dealing with kids.but yeah my point is, it's easy to become one and many if not most profesión can be teacher if they want.
Good for you, but please don't compare you or your teacher with world class soccer professionals. Capello has seen at least one genius at a young age and thousands of good players, Yamal is in the second group for him.
I think some teachers/parents use such hard words to force a change in the students, if that was the case, in your case worked perfectly, to the point you recall it even today and put it in the same sentence with your degree.
I don’t like comparing because I think Yamal will be his own player, however, I think Yamals career and stats will be closer to that of Neymar’s than Messi’s.
Anyone who is comparing Yamal to Messi better shut up. Messi is one of a kind, best in history. Players like him don’t come around often, if ever again. Yamal is 16…he has many years before we can even start comparing his feats to Messi’s, which again we really shouldn’t do because Messi is Messi.
I mean, he is not wrong, but well, comparisons like that are always unnecessary. There is really no contribution by saying Lamine won’t be the next Messi or Pele, we know it, is not an insult also, it’s just a given.
Am curious to know if anyone here knows. Did Messi also go through this kind of pressure back in 2004-2007?
Every journalist asking random experts/coaches/football celebrities about him and their expectations of him.
Did Messi get to where he is in spite of this bs or was he spared?
I mean, who knows where Lamine will end up? Imo we will probably never see a player reach Messi’s heights ever again, but I did see Messi’s debut and 30+ games for all his seasons at Barcelona, and to be honest, Lamine is better at 16 than Messi at 16.
Yea no he isn't.. Also Lamine wouldn't debut at 16 if he played the time Messi played. Our team was way better at that time than now - especially offensive.
I disagree. Messi made a lot of mistakes at 16-17 that Lamine isn’t doing. Not saying Lamine will become better than Messi - he most probably won’t even get close, but comparing 16 year old Lamine to 16 year old Messi, I’d say Lamine is a bit better in terms of decision making and reading the game. Also hard disagree on your point that Lamine wouldn’t have played 2004. The game’s so incredibly tougher and tactical these days.
Are you really trying to argue that Yamal is better than prime Giuly? LIke what am I reading.
Lamine Yamal has more potential surely but he was not on the level of Giuly when he came from Monaco.
Guily was a different type of player, he offered more in terms of pressing ans stats but Yamal definitely has better 1vs1 which is the most important thing in a winger.
Giuily had something more important for a winger than being good 1v1 on a standstill. That is being able to run behind the defenders and being a constant threat. If Barca had Giuly right now our team would be way better.
He was way better than Yamal off the ball and was better than Yamal when receiving the ball while running. He was also a better goalscorer from the wing.
The only time Yamal is better than Giuily is on a standstill 1v1 and that's it.
That said the question was whether Yamal would get in our team when Messi played and he wouldn't.
Because Barca didn't need a player better at standstill 1v1. They needed someone able to run behind the defenders when Ronaldinho was on the ball... Him and Eto'o made defenders life hell when Ronaldinho was on the ball.
Yamal's profile ceiling is Peak Mahrez. His profile is closer to that on a Spectrum than it is to profile of Messi. For now. Who knows how his development will go in 10 years time.
Nobody could foresee how good Messi could become back then. I dont care who you are or how good your knowledge of the game was. Remember in 06 when someone had 50 goals/assists in a season they were having a once in a career level season. That became the norm for Messi
At the most I think people could see that Messi had the ability to reach Ronaldinho's level and maybe surpass it a bit.
He went on to become a player that doubled Ronaldinho's attacking output across nearly every metric, which back in 06 would have been well beyond the realm of whats possible.
Low and behold this alien Messi reached a level in football that I dont think we will ever see again. Some might dabble at the level none will make it home for 15+ years the way Messi did
I see what he means. If I had to describe Yamal it would as an entertainer or showman. Same thing would apply to young Cr7 and neymar. And although I’m aware that he is merely 16 and has his whole career to develop I don’t see the all encompassing talent that Messi had in every aspect of the game. Plus, it seems like the kid likes to have his fun out there a little neymar. He doesn’t view the game like Messi did. It’s not a knock really. It just there is only one Messi and Maradona. I wouldn’t use genius to describe iniesta while Xavi yes but in another capacity.
It’s not possible for him to be as good as Messi. One thing all the goats or potential goats have in common is blistering speed/pace/change of pace. Messi, Ronaldo, maradona, Pele, and even hanger ons like cruyff, George best etc all had pace in their side. Yamals great but without that he will at best be a “great” of the game like de bruyne which is nothing to turn your nose up at but it will always be one step off the goat debate
He is getting faster though. A few months ago I said he had no speed. But on Sunday he was looking significantly faster and was gliding past cavaminga. At 19 he'll be crazy fast, mark my words.
We didn't know Messi was going to be a genius when he was 16 either. Yes he was special but nobody would've guessed he was going to be as good as he became.
This sub is so fucking delusional it’s patheticcccc 😂 Capello said it perfectly, and what he said is in fact more beneficial for Lamine than this sub’s overhyped stupidity.
Cant say I disagree. Yamal is good but not Messi good, and thats no insult. Its unfair to compare top youngsters to Messi. Players like him are incredibly rare.
Of course, he has to compare with Ronaldo. Like wtf, he was talking about Yamal and it turned into Messi is better than Ronaldo lmao
And yes, I am a Ronaldo (and Madrid) fan. And I have this sub's recommended posts because I went to see the posts here after El Clasico (it's priceless to see you guys rage over the refereeing, loved it.)
You guys are funny, complain about Negreira but then love when you guys steal another team. Like, hypocricy much? Like at least be consistent in your takes.
Also, no matter how much you guys hate it, Messi is viewed as a superior player by majority of people. Most people especially the ones who are old put Messi, Diego and Pele on a pedestal thay Cristiano doesn't belong to. They are what you would call the holy trinity of football
As a Barça fan and *thinking* objectively this guy is saying bullshit.
I don't say it for Yamal, nor Cristiano but for the closed mind he has towards real absolute beasts on modern football.
Messi is a monster, no one doubts it, but he made lot of people think he is some sorta of deity of this sport. That ain't his fault for sure. Next generations will come whom never watched Messi nor Cristiano played, will exist the data of course but as everything in this world, it won't last forever that fanatic belief.
Yamal easily can be at Barça legend status alongside other iconic players but the guy is 17 yet, just think about it, a whole life on forward. Ronaldinho, Iniesta, Xavi, Alonso, Roberto Carlos, Maldini, Ronaldo, Kaká, Pirlo... pff trust me if we think with criteria Messi ain't the ulimate genious on football.
This is just so bullshit, if Ronaldo won the world cup obviously everyone would call him the best player of all time.
Lamine could be fair but he's only 16, he has room to grow
Why the comparison? Did someone asked him to compare or was out of the blue?
It’s a press conference, he was asked about Yamal in comparison to Messi (Capello famously saw Messi’s debut at the Gamper trophy in 2004 and wanted to sign him for Juventus), he’s just answering that honestly
Fair enough, would have been surprised such gentleman to make unnecessary comparison. L E. I remember that game, I watched it on a bootleg stream. That kid bullying arguably the best defenders on the planet at the time
bootleg stream in 2005 is crazyyy
for sure got 60 viruses that night lmao
Poor kid barely has a driver’s license and he has to put up this shit.
Barely? In the EU you have to be 18 if I'm not mistaken.
Won't somebody please think of the children...... I'm pretty sure this Lamine Yamal guy is gonna survive - don't worry.
Capello Lost credibility here . He is just a kid - just a kid !!!!
It's a press conference, this type of shit steering and bait for reaction is common
Not everything has an agenda. This was just an interesting question asked to him considering he saw Messi at such a young age, and Yamal is now doing so exceptional at such a young age.
It’s almost never out of the blue btw
Watch the video please.
Although I’d say it’s early, this man knows football. but we shouldn’t be pitting Lamine Yamal to Messi, he’s not just talented but a visionary on the pitch. that is what set him apart from Cristiano mostly, both tremendously talented, but Messi rarely makes the wrong decision. his Football IQ is best embodied with the assist he made in the goal to the Netherlands. How did he see that? that to me is his craziest work of art in his career. It reminded me of what Valdano said after Maradona scored that goal against England after dribbling past everyone and the keeper. Valdano said Maradona apologized for not passing it to him, that he kept seeing him running along but couldn’t find the gap to give him the ball. The man had 5-6 defenders, all running at full speed and still knew where his teammates were, and if they’re open or not.
As a Dutch man I remember that goal all too well lol. But it was an insane pass, there was a ultra slomo of Messi running with the ball before pasing and his eyes just switch back and forth from the ball to Van Dijk and nothing else. My friends and I were astonished how he'd ever see the man behind him running in order to pass to him. Could've been asked for the ball or did it on blank judgement but to deliver such a perfect pass is still insanely impressive
Of of all things Messi has done in his career you think his assists against netherlands is the craziest things he’s done? You started watching last worldcup for sure
how sad that’s what you get from my comment. It’s comments like yours that discourage conversations on Reddit. Your comment makes you happy? to answer you politely though, no I’ve possibly seen more football than you have as I’ve been a fan of this club since shortly after the Maradona times, and that’s why i quoted Valdano. And yes, I do think that pass he makes really embodies his greatness, that’s a play I can confidently say that not a single other player in the world is capable of performing on purpose the way he did. Thats the moment I knew Argentina would win the cup, because it reminded me of the determination and inspiration i saw in Maradona back in 86.
Imo he's already made a better assist on miami. Its not remotely the same tier of defenders, but still. He's done loads more impressive things. His goal vs brazil, his insane solo goal vs bilbao, his maradona goal (not the hand of god goal). The netherlands assist might be a great characterization of him as a player, but no way his greatest feat.
it's different when it’s done in such an important moment in time. You could argue for example his most important goal ever was his goal against Mexico. Or the one against Getafe, or the one against Bilbao, etc His career can have a highlight reel that lasts 3 hours+ that pass though, that just shows how Messi has a vision of the field as if he was playing FIFA on the PlayStation. i think that’s just a great example of what sets him apart from any player we have nowadays in Europe.
You don’t have to tell me you’ve been watching since maradonna to prove your point💀 that play you mentioned is the most normal messi pass but too bad you’re capping and probably started watching last worldcup
This is not the level of discourse we should aim for on this sub.
don’t get me wrong, I do pity the fact this seems to be your one outlet and that’s why the unnecessary tone in your comments. But these people here on this clip, ex professionals and TV pundits seem to find it more astonishing than you. you Should reach out to these studios, your knowledge shouldnt be wasted on just angry Reddit postings. Maybe you should get a job there after you graduate from school. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sceUWR24izg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sceUWR24izg)
It’s not, but it’s testament to what he is able to produce, even at the age of 35. It shows that he was practically born to play this game and is a timeless player. Whether he is 24 or is 35, Messi will forever be a threat no matter what age.
Why your hatred for Cristiano Ronaldo?
what? I actually loved watching Cristiano play. It was a thing of beauty those 10-15 years they gave us. It’s a shame people wasted so many time hating on one without appreciating what we had in front of us. I don’t think we’ll witness another duel like theirs in our lifetimes. Not mine at least. I do think Messi is a notch above Cristiano though. Cristiano was special human specimen, mind and body, mixed with a great talent. But Messi was Da Vinci combined with Speedy Gonzáles
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both on the same level. Nobody would be compared to them. Maradona is better than Messi, but not describing Cristiano Ronaldo as a football genius is disgusting
Ok, that’s fine. That’s your opinion and I respect it. I can see why you can think that too, I get the opinion of his fans. my opinion though is that he’s not on the same level, and you should respect that as well. No need to take anything personal or feel disgusted by different opinions.
How you even fathom hatred from that is actually insane
Anything less than a dick sucking is hate, duh!
Capello does have a keen eye for talent. He backed messi way back in 04 or 05 saying I want this guy. I am fine with Lamine Yamal not being as good as messi. That can't be the benchmark. If anyone watched Cr7 at 19-20 years, they all felt hes gonna become a great player but no one expected him to be in the shouts for GOAT level 20 years from then. If you are really talented, you work hard and is managed well - you can become an exceptional player even if you aren't a born genius.
Yep and even if he isn't a genius but turns out to be like Pedro or Villa type of player who might not be the next big star but is reliable and works hard I'm calling it a big succes!
Pedro and Villa are great players, just overshadowed by Messi
Well said. You should keep talking.
David Villa is the greatest Spanish Forward of all times… I’ll stick to that hill
Imo Raul was at least a level better.
Different breeds … but , definitely top 5 along Torres and Morientes … feels like I’m missing someone though
Quini? Butre? They haven't really produced that much great strikers.
Guiza
Not for Spain, Villa was key in WC 2010
This is a dumb take. One single tournament is never an argument. By that account Capdevila was a much better LB (for la roja) than Jordi Alba.
That was an argument made for Maradona>Messi until 2022. Besides, Villa has more goals for Spain so isn't just a t the WC but Villa being better for Spain than Raul
You threw in WC 2010 as an argument. I'm just saying that's a fool's argument. We're running in circles here. I've already stated that there's more than just goals and that if one reaaally wants to use goals as the single most important stat, at the very least take into account how much the team dominated. Villa had the best midfield ever to provide him. Raul saw his country fail the group stage in 1998, needed penalties against Ireland in 2002 and failed to reach the QF in 2006. My god, man. Raul had a significant worse midfield behind him, consisting of players like Valeron, De Pedro, Albelda, Sergio and Joaquin. Good players, certainly, but not Xavi, Busquets or Iniesta.
Except that Raul had the chance to play in 2008 Euro but due to him being a toxic player he wasn't selected. Also, do you realize that Spain midfield in World Cup 2006 was stacked? Xavi, Iniesta, Xabi, Cesc and Torres played in the final game against France. Ramos, Puyol and Casillas were also there and Arangones was also there. It was pretty much the same team as 2010 minus Pique and Busi. But the main difference is that Villa performed while Raul didn't. Villa was key to beat Chile, Paraguay and Portugal while Raul ghosted.
Not really. Raul was a more decorated player for sure. Pound for pound I will pick villa over raul in a team- more clinical, more all round, clutch and adapts to game style much better.
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Ya, not really David Villa UCL - 14 goals in 47 games. 0.29 goals per game La Liga - 185 goals in 353 games - 0.52 goals per game Spain - 59 goals in 98 games - 0.6 goals per game Raul UCL- 71 goals in 142 games. 0.5 goals per game La LIga - 228 goals in 550 games - 0.41 goals per game Spain - 44 goals in 102 games - 0.43 goals per game Raul played 2 Euros and 3 Worldcups Scored 5 goals in 11 matches in Worldcup and 1 goal in 7 matches in Euros Villa played 3 worldcups and 1 Euro Scored 9 goals in 12 matchs in worldcup 4 goals in 4 matches in Euro and 6 goals in 8 matches for confederations cup. Villa as you can see had better goal scoring at NT and La Liga and is behind in UCL. Keep in mind that VIlla got his big team move only when he was age 28-29 to Barca where he only played 3 seasons of UCL. So for most his career Villa was outscoring Raul when they were facing the same opponents in la liga and with an inferior team. So no, Raul wasn't "something else". If you remove the stats and do an eye test, the fact will remain the same.
> So no, Raul wasn't "something else". My ass. Look, if we're only taking into account goals, sure, Villa will win that one. But stating Raul wasn't something else, doesn't make any sense whatsoever. Villa also had his luck that he was supported by the best midfield the world has ever seen. You want to talk goals as a primary reason, than you should also take into account how many chances were created and how much the team dominated. > So for most his career Villa was outscoring Raul when they were facing the same opponents in la liga and with an inferior team. You could state that he was outscoring him, but whereas Raul had many seasons where he was a supportive forward, creating a shitload of goals. He was the one creating chances for Morientes and Ronaldo, Villa was the deepest lying striker.
Lmao- did you read the comment above mine, to which I replied to. The guy specficially said " Raul was also a better goal scorer" - i debunked that over there. Villa was fluid to play anywhere on the front 3. You can check his stats for assits at Valencia, Barca or Spain-they are ahead of Rauls. Mate Villa played with the best midfield only for 3 seasons. In the second season he broke his foot and was out for more than 6 months coming back only the next season which was his last season at Barca. Raul played with Zidane, Figo, Beckham, then later with Sneijder, Robben and a lot of other great midfielders. On an average Raul played with far better players than Villa did.
I love Pedro and Villa to death and wish we had a player like either of them on our team today But, I would be kinda disappointed if that’s Yamal’s peak ngl
I'd say raphina is our villa/pedro type player! He might not be the most skilled baller but a Goal or Assist per game is great and his work rate off the ball is absolutely amazing! Ferran Torres was signed to be that player but he doesn't seem to get it going. Ans with the Yamal topic I get what you mean and don't get me wrong I hope Yamal becomes the leader of this squad in the future but if he doesn't its fine you know.
> I would be kinda disappointed if that’s Yamal’s peak ngl Frankly, I just don't see how a player with all of Lamine's attributes right now at age 16, who's already one of the most productive RW in the league, is anything less than world class by the time he's 21. He already has the technical ability. In a few years, he should have the physical maturity too, with hopefully no serious injury. Really, the only question I have is whether his mental ability will be there. The next 3 years or so should give us a clearer picture of where he may end up, but assuming everything comes together, he'll be elite for sure.
Yamal is ahead of Messi in terms of development and accomplishment on the first team at the same age. That is good enough for me. Let him develop at his own pace. He is on a magnificent trajectory. Maybe 25 years down the line, he will provide the worthy 4th face on the Mt. Rushmore of football to go along with Pele, Maradona, Messi. But that's getting ahead of ourselves. Enjoy him now. I don't think I'm wrong about him though. He's not like the other precocious talents we have.
Ya but you have to understand. Lamal debuted a solid 12-14 months in age before messi. The reason for that being - our current scenario. Plus back then you weren't making 15-16 year olds debut. Messi had trained with the team before his debut as well and people already knew he was at the level but they still held out on that debut.
Full quotes from Capello >**On Lamine Yamal** >He has a lot of quality and is very interesting talent, but he will not reach the genius status like Messi, Pelé, and Maradona. Those are geniuses in football history.. >**On Portugal NT regarding Euro 2024** >As a coach, the most important person on the field is always the leader [of your team]. And the leader in Portugal NT is Pepe >**On the Messi vs Cristiano comparison** >Cristiano is a great player, a great goalscorer. He won titles and Ballon d'Ors, but he hasn't been great like Messi. He's a great footballer, but he's not a genius.
Pendulums will start crying again...
Truthful words
I don't know about Pele and Maradona. Football changed. It's more of a teamsport now and depends a lot on strategy and tactics. And Pele never played for Europe, so how is that a comparison?
I mean South America was the stronger footballing continent in Pele's time.
Watch Pelé vs Europeans on YouTube. He probably had a higher win % against them than against Brazilians in Brasileirão, he scored 208 goals in 201 matches against them.
There are pros and cons in both eras. Players today face teams that are well versed on strategy and tactics even if it’s second or third tier. But they also have countless hours of footage to analyze and learn from, skills and techniques of the yesteryears to emulate, advanced sports science to help them recover/refrain from injuries, most even have dieticians and personal physicians and chefs to look after their body. Moreover they are protected from harsh tackles unlike the old times where you had to break an ankle to be carded. Pele and Maradona did things that were unseen before them and that is the single most reason that warrants respect. They walked so that Messi and Cristiano could run.
Hes comparing him to some of the best players of all time. This isnt really that crazy of an opinion. Its more likely that Yamal wont be as good as the best player of all time than that he will be. Which is completely fine. We wont see another Messi for a very long time.
And he was asked for that comparison
Lamine Yamal is 16 years old. How is it fair to compare him to anyone yet?
This is my hot take: Capello helped Lamine Yamal. Nobody agrees to what he said but this is really helpful in order to lower over hype and higher expectations on LY allowing him to continue his development without media pressure.
This one comment is not going to lower hype, expectations, or pressure whatsoever. It will have zero impact like that.
I agree. Hyping up the kid now will only hurt him. Just let him be. When Messi left we already knew we'd never see something like that ever again. We don't expect Lamine to be as good as Messi. That's just unfair. As a Barça fan, I'm already in awe of Lamine's level. Everytime he has the ball you know something's about to happen. Not too many players have made me feel this way and it's only his first season playing professional football!!! Just insane. If he can maintain this same level throughout his career and doesn't have bad luck with injuries, I'd consider it a huge success. With Lamine, we basically got a ≈€100M level player for free. Developed here, understands our values and playing style & loves the club just as much as any other Barça fan. What else can you ask for.
yeah i thought the same.
I mean that’s the safest bet, right? Anyway. Yamal is 16. Where was Messi at 16? Let him be.
This
we have to wait for a few years and then judge
I mean it's not like he is downplaying Yamal, if anything this is shielding him from unnecessary pressure. There are many exceptional and legend in this sports, none of them reached the status of those three. It's okay to not be Messi, only Messi himself can be Messi
I don’t want him to be the next Messi because he won’t I want to be the next Lamine Yamal. He can be great his own way.
It’s early days, but I agree. In any case, Lamine is en route to become one of the best footballers of his generation and that’s already good enough for Barça.
He is just a kid lol wtf? He only started now to plau for Barça first team, why he needed to go this hard on him??? Jesus christ... 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
Man is making judgements on a 16 year old. You never know what can happen. when I was 16 years old, my math teacher told me that I won't be able to do anything good in life and am worthless. Now I am a Mechanical Engineer and earning more than her (she deserved more pay to be honest).
Nah not her. The other teachers sure, but a teacher telling one of their students that they aren’t gonna be shit deserves the low ass pay they get.
Ehh I dunno, half the kids they tell that to are giving them a hard time in school. But people like to see themselves as the underdogs so whatever
She couldn't afford rent on her own, yet she raised a kid with her husband that didn't earn much. Yes, she was shit to me and made rude comments but me and the other students wanted every teacher in the school to be paid a decent amount. The monthly salary for teachers in the school I attended was roughly 800 Euros per month. Bus drivers were paid 1500 euros per month.
You know, I think that if OP says that, you could take OP's word for it.
You became an engineer obviously you will earn more, anyone can become a teacher it's one of the easiest professions.
You got downvoted but it's true it's not hard becoming a teacher really. That doesn't mean it's not an important job though. And there is a huge difference between a bad teacher and a good teacher. Becoming a bad teacher is easy. Being a good teacher is not easy.
Teaching is hard I agree, especially dealing with kids.but yeah my point is, it's easy to become one and many if not most profesión can be teacher if they want.
Good for you, but please don't compare you or your teacher with world class soccer professionals. Capello has seen at least one genius at a young age and thousands of good players, Yamal is in the second group for him. I think some teachers/parents use such hard words to force a change in the students, if that was the case, in your case worked perfectly, to the point you recall it even today and put it in the same sentence with your degree.
I was 16 when I finished high school and had already been accepted into university. She said these words to me after I finished school.
Wait what’s Pepe gotta do with Yamal and Messi lol?
Those were two separate questions
I don’t like comparing because I think Yamal will be his own player, however, I think Yamals career and stats will be closer to that of Neymar’s than Messi’s.
Too young to say anything. Messi is the top of the top so of course betting on lower is safe..
Nobody expects Lamine to be Messi or Pelé. I think he already is almost as good as Dembele, which is amazing.
There we have it, Fabio Capello. The ultimate messi fan boy. Move aside barca plebs.
Saying someone is better than another = Fanboy?
Don't watch behind, Fabio Capello is coming in with a sliding tackle.
let him play and enjoy the beautiful game of football man
Calm down, the boy is barely out of diapers and comparisons with the greatest of all time have already begun.
It's perfectly fine if Yamal doesn't reach their level anyways 👍
Anyone who is comparing Yamal to Messi better shut up. Messi is one of a kind, best in history. Players like him don’t come around often, if ever again. Yamal is 16…he has many years before we can even start comparing his feats to Messi’s, which again we really shouldn’t do because Messi is Messi.
Right. I think we are desperate to see another Messi.
I mean, he is not wrong, but well, comparisons like that are always unnecessary. There is really no contribution by saying Lamine won’t be the next Messi or Pele, we know it, is not an insult also, it’s just a given.
The fact that people are even discussing this while he's still 16 reassures me about his natural ability.
Am curious to know if anyone here knows. Did Messi also go through this kind of pressure back in 2004-2007? Every journalist asking random experts/coaches/football celebrities about him and their expectations of him. Did Messi get to where he is in spite of this bs or was he spared?
Fair enough
What is Capello doing at a press conference? He's retired last time I heard
Why say something like that for a 16 yrs old boy who just started playing professional football
I mean, who knows where Lamine will end up? Imo we will probably never see a player reach Messi’s heights ever again, but I did see Messi’s debut and 30+ games for all his seasons at Barcelona, and to be honest, Lamine is better at 16 than Messi at 16.
Messi was 17 when he debuted.
Nope. Porto in a friendly at the age of 16.
That’s not La Liga though
That’s correct. A friendly against Porto is not La Liga.
Yea no he isn't.. Also Lamine wouldn't debut at 16 if he played the time Messi played. Our team was way better at that time than now - especially offensive.
I disagree. Messi made a lot of mistakes at 16-17 that Lamine isn’t doing. Not saying Lamine will become better than Messi - he most probably won’t even get close, but comparing 16 year old Lamine to 16 year old Messi, I’d say Lamine is a bit better in terms of decision making and reading the game. Also hard disagree on your point that Lamine wouldn’t have played 2004. The game’s so incredibly tougher and tactical these days.
True words.
Was it? I think our RW was Giuly
Are you really trying to argue that Yamal is better than prime Giuly? LIke what am I reading. Lamine Yamal has more potential surely but he was not on the level of Giuly when he came from Monaco.
Guily was a different type of player, he offered more in terms of pressing ans stats but Yamal definitely has better 1vs1 which is the most important thing in a winger.
Giuily had something more important for a winger than being good 1v1 on a standstill. That is being able to run behind the defenders and being a constant threat. If Barca had Giuly right now our team would be way better. He was way better than Yamal off the ball and was better than Yamal when receiving the ball while running. He was also a better goalscorer from the wing. The only time Yamal is better than Giuily is on a standstill 1v1 and that's it. That said the question was whether Yamal would get in our team when Messi played and he wouldn't. Because Barca didn't need a player better at standstill 1v1. They needed someone able to run behind the defenders when Ronaldinho was on the ball... Him and Eto'o made defenders life hell when Ronaldinho was on the ball.
Yamal's profile ceiling is Peak Mahrez. His profile is closer to that on a Spectrum than it is to profile of Messi. For now. Who knows how his development will go in 10 years time.
That's honestly quite low, Mahrez was a top player but never top 10 in the world
For me this is good news. All the comparisons of media and some fans are not doing a favor to Lamine... let him be his own player
Well of course, and no expects that as well. I want Yamal to become our Garrincha. ☺️
Beautiful multilingualism in this video.
Nobody could foresee how good Messi could become back then. I dont care who you are or how good your knowledge of the game was. Remember in 06 when someone had 50 goals/assists in a season they were having a once in a career level season. That became the norm for Messi At the most I think people could see that Messi had the ability to reach Ronaldinho's level and maybe surpass it a bit. He went on to become a player that doubled Ronaldinho's attacking output across nearly every metric, which back in 06 would have been well beyond the realm of whats possible. Low and behold this alien Messi reached a level in football that I dont think we will ever see again. Some might dabble at the level none will make it home for 15+ years the way Messi did
I see what he means. If I had to describe Yamal it would as an entertainer or showman. Same thing would apply to young Cr7 and neymar. And although I’m aware that he is merely 16 and has his whole career to develop I don’t see the all encompassing talent that Messi had in every aspect of the game. Plus, it seems like the kid likes to have his fun out there a little neymar. He doesn’t view the game like Messi did. It’s not a knock really. It just there is only one Messi and Maradona. I wouldn’t use genius to describe iniesta while Xavi yes but in another capacity.
The curse of every young forward we’re going to produce; always being compared to Messi
He's fucking 16.....
Capello no one ordered a yappaccino
"the leader in Portugal is Pepe" He's from Brazil 🇧🇷 lol
He is further ahead than any of them were at their age.
yes and it doesn't mean he will be better later. So many things can happen.
It’s not possible for him to be as good as Messi. One thing all the goats or potential goats have in common is blistering speed/pace/change of pace. Messi, Ronaldo, maradona, Pele, and even hanger ons like cruyff, George best etc all had pace in their side. Yamals great but without that he will at best be a “great” of the game like de bruyne which is nothing to turn your nose up at but it will always be one step off the goat debate
He is getting faster though. A few months ago I said he had no speed. But on Sunday he was looking significantly faster and was gliding past cavaminga. At 19 he'll be crazy fast, mark my words.
ok boomer
We didn't know Messi was going to be a genius when he was 16 either. Yes he was special but nobody would've guessed he was going to be as good as he became.
We didn’t, but Fabio Capello did lol.
This sub is so fucking delusional it’s patheticcccc 😂 Capello said it perfectly, and what he said is in fact more beneficial for Lamine than this sub’s overhyped stupidity.
I don't see any "overhype" here..
He is 16 my friend
He was asked for actually because he is 16 that was the Messi age when Capello saw him play for the first time
Why even say these things
Cant say I disagree. Yamal is good but not Messi good, and thats no insult. Its unfair to compare top youngsters to Messi. Players like him are incredibly rare.
Agree 🥰
Today's defenders are worse...
Do people in here really think Ronaldo isn't in the same category as those geniuses? Lol
Of course. He's only a great finisher. But he sucks at everything else. When we say genius it implies a brain which the dude lacks.
Yikes.. the delusion is real in this sub I'll see myself out
Good riddance
Calling Ronaldo just a finisher is the same as calling Messi just a dribbler lol gotta get your eyes checked mate
I thought you were gone?!
Man is unhinged anyways.
Of course, he has to compare with Ronaldo. Like wtf, he was talking about Yamal and it turned into Messi is better than Ronaldo lmao And yes, I am a Ronaldo (and Madrid) fan. And I have this sub's recommended posts because I went to see the posts here after El Clasico (it's priceless to see you guys rage over the refereeing, loved it.)
You guys are funny, complain about Negreira but then love when you guys steal another team. Like, hypocricy much? Like at least be consistent in your takes. Also, no matter how much you guys hate it, Messi is viewed as a superior player by majority of people. Most people especially the ones who are old put Messi, Diego and Pele on a pedestal thay Cristiano doesn't belong to. They are what you would call the holy trinity of football
Mr Stats isn't in top 50 best footballers of all time.
lol Ronaldo way above all those names
As a Barça fan and *thinking* objectively this guy is saying bullshit. I don't say it for Yamal, nor Cristiano but for the closed mind he has towards real absolute beasts on modern football. Messi is a monster, no one doubts it, but he made lot of people think he is some sorta of deity of this sport. That ain't his fault for sure. Next generations will come whom never watched Messi nor Cristiano played, will exist the data of course but as everything in this world, it won't last forever that fanatic belief. Yamal easily can be at Barça legend status alongside other iconic players but the guy is 17 yet, just think about it, a whole life on forward. Ronaldinho, Iniesta, Xavi, Alonso, Roberto Carlos, Maldini, Ronaldo, Kaká, Pirlo... pff trust me if we think with criteria Messi ain't the ulimate genious on football.
Glad to see someone willing to tell the truth.
This is just so bullshit, if Ronaldo won the world cup obviously everyone would call him the best player of all time. Lamine could be fair but he's only 16, he has room to grow
Messi has always been better than Cristiano the world cup has nothing to do with it