Is Lamine Yamal already the best player in the world at the age of 17?

There was a moment during Barcelona’s win over Alaves on Sunday that had to be seen to be believed. It might not have resulted in a goal, but it highlighted Lamine Yamal as a generational talent. It was the clearest sign yet that the 17-year-old is the natural heir to Lionel Messi for the Catalan giants.

It started with Lamine Yamal picking up the ball well inside his own half under pressure from two Alaves players. The teenager beat them with ease before driving into the centre of the pitch. There he was closed down by more opposition players. At one point in the centre circle, there were four around him.

A drop of the shoulder and some quick feet saw Lamine Yamal shake them off before driving into the final third, still under pressure from a number of Alaves players. Ultimately, the 17-year-old played the ball out to Raphinha who mustered a tame effort on goal, but Lamine Yamal had already shown his quality by then.

Of course, Lamine Yamal’s ability has been clear for some time. Last season, the teenager finished the La Liga campaign with 10 goal involvements after making his first team breakthrough. Last summer, he was a key part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning team, demonstrating his talent at international level.

This season, though, Lamine Yamal has taken another big step forward in his development. He already has 15 goal involvements in La Liga as well as two goals and two assists in the Champions League where Barcelona made an impact in the league phase, finishing second in the 32-team table.

When Lamine Yamal was out through injury for a number of weeks earlier in the season, Barcelona suffered. At just 17 years old, the youngster is already the creative heart of the Catalan side, giving Barca invention from his position on the right side of the attack. From there, he has the freedom to roam.

Lamine Yamal might already be the best player in the world. Mohamed Salah is scoring for fun in the Premier League while Kylian Mbappe has found his feet at Real Madrid, scoring eight goals in his last seven games. Rodri also lifted last year’s Ballon d’Or and is clearly being missed by Manchester City this season.

In Lamine Yamal, though, Barca have a player who can do it all. He is a creator and a goalscorer. He can dribble past an entire opposition team and pick a pass through a crowded defensive line. For someone still so young, Lamine Yamal’s decision-making and in-game intelligence is what makes him truly special. He plays like someone much older.

Messi comparisons are natural. Barcelona fans still sing about the legendary Argentine who was the greatest player in the club’s history. Lamine Yamal is seen as Messi’s natural successor and with good reason. If the teenager is already this good, imagine how good he could be once he enters his peak years?

“I am not a fan about that,” said Flick after the win over Alaves when asked about the comparisons being made between Lamine Yamal and Messi. “Lamine is a genius. What he did today, in some situations, it’s unbelievable. I am very happy that he is playing for Barça. It’s great. For 17 years old, he’s doing great, and every match is good. And the opponents are not so easy to play against. They are strong, defending good, they try to attack him, aggressive, but he’s doing good. I love it.”

Ultimately, Barcelona’s shaky defence might see them fall short in both the La Liga title race and in the Champions League. Flick’s insistence on placing Barca’s backline halfway up the pitch gives oppositions something to target and many teams have put the Catalans to the sword over the course of the campaign to date.

With Lamine Yamal in top form, though, Barcelona have the attacking quality to topple anyone. They could still catch Real Madrid at the top of La Liga and are one of the favourites to win another European crown. These are the trophies that the best player in the world surely has in his sights.