Lamine Yamal expects Messi-like positional evolution in his career: ‘Over time, I’ll move there’

Lamine Yamal expects Messi-like positional evolution in his career: ‘Over time, I’ll move there’ There are a number of players now who can be categorised among the best in the world , such as Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Lamine Yamal. They are all trying to become the best versions of themselves and continue improving, yet they still have competition from a 38-year-old Lionel Messi. Whenever the Argentine maestro and Barça legend plays, he still looks among the very best playing the sport. He is the superstar many of these youngsters look up to, and Lamine Yamal is no different. He continues to speak about Messi with such admiration. However, his words also reflect his maturity. When asked whether he sees himself playing until the age of 40 like Messi in a recent interview, as quoted by SPORT , Lamine said: “Do I see myself playing until the age of 40 like Messi? Impossible. Maybe I’ll still be playing, but to be at that level? “That’s very, very difficult. You also need a huge desire to keep going. For me, he’s the best, and he continues to prove it even at 40 years old.” Lamine Yamal hails Messi’s longevity. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Lamine is not running away from greatness, but he is not pretending Messi’s career is normal either. He respects the level, the longevity and the hunger behind it. A future in central areas The most interesting part of Lamine’s comments was his view on where he could eventually play. Right now, he remains a winger, but he already sees a future inside. He explained: “I think Messi also had three players marking him on the wing. The only place where they can’t really do that is in central areas because there’s much more space and movement. “Over time, I’ll move there because on the wing it’s easier for teams to defend against you with three players, while in the middle that’s much harder.” That is a fascinating tactical thought. Lamine is already feeling how opponents load up against him wide. At Barcelona, where teams often defend deep and double or triple up on the strongest one-on-one player, central freedom could eventually unlock another version of him. Asked whether fans would miss his dribbling on the wing, he replied: “I can still go one-on-one in central areas too. I’m actually more decisive when I receive the ball and turn in central positions than when I’m out wide. “ But right now, I think it’s best for the team that I play on the wing. The time will come when I’m more decisive in the middle, and I’ll eventually end up there.” Lamine believes he will end up playing more centrally in the future. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Confidence with room to grow That last line should excite Barça fans, but the timing matters. Lamine knows the team still needs him wide for now. His ability to stretch defences, isolate full-backs and create from the right remains essential. Still, his future may not be fixed to the touchline. As he grows physically and tactically, Barcelona may eventually use him closer to goal, where one turn can break an entire defensive block. Lamine also showed strong self-belief when asked whether he has ever doubted himself. He said: “Have I ever had doubts about myself? No. I actually see myself as much better than people see me. I know the road is still long and that I have many things to improve.” “I know people think this is my final level, but all the confidence I have can be used in many ways. And I’ll say it again: I still have a long way to go, a lot to develop, and a lot of football ahead of me. I’m only 18 years old.” Every single time Lamine speaks to the media, his maturity beyond his age is what immediately catches everyone’s eye. There are still stages to the Barça teenager’s evolution, and hopefully each one of them is equally exciting.