Just like Ronaldinho and Messi' - ex-Barcelona star praises youngster Lamine Yamal

Former Barcelona defender Rafa Marquez has spoken highly of the Blaugrana’s highly-rated youngster, Lamine Yamal, comparing his talent to that of two footballing greats. 

Marquez represented Barcelona for seven years between 2003 and 2010, playing alongside some fantastic players, including Brazilian sensation Ronaldinho, and Argentine club legend Lionel Messi. 

The former Mexico international has since hung up his boots in favour of management and is currently the coach of Barcelona’s B team, where he encountered a talent whom he believes can be as good as his former teammates. 

Barcelona’s 16-year-old prodigy, Lamine Yamal, played only three games with Marquez’ Barcelona B side before being made a member of the first team, and the former defender has spoken of the Spain international’s enormous potential. 

Marquez was quoted by Mundo Deportivo as saying, “He [Yamal] belongs to a group of gifted boys who have innate talent, who no matter how old they are, can compete in any category and make a difference. 

“Ronaldinho, Messi… Lamine can be the next. He has all the qualities. Obviously we have to take care of his development because he is still a child.”

Yamal has broken several records at club and country level, becoming the youngest player to play for both Barcelona and Spain, as well as the youngest player to score for La Roja, so the praise from Marquez is not especially strange.