Zlatan Ibrahimovic names Barcelona wonderkid among the top five best players in the world

Zlatan Ibrahimovic names Barcelona wonderkid among the top five best players in the world Legendary Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has never been known to mince his words or his opinion. The ex-Barcelona striker has placed Lamine Yamal among his personal group of the best players in the world, while making it clear that Lionel Messi still belongs in a separate category. Zlatan was discussing the attacking talent on show at the World Cup when he named his top group of current stars. As quoted by Mundo Deportivo , he said: “Of the five best players in the world, three are in this [France] attack: Dembele, Olise and Mbappe. And to them you could add Haaland and Lamine Yamal.” Lamine’s inclusion is the detail that matters most. At just 18, he is already being mentioned by one of football’s great personalities alongside the biggest names in the modern game. Lamine is worth the ticket Among the top five best players in the world, claims Zlatan. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Ibrahimovic has been impressed by Lamine for some time . Speaking earlier this month, he explained why the Barcelona winger feels different from other young players. He said: “Lamine is a player who is worth paying these expensive tickets for. You can see that he is something special every time he touches the ball. How he controls the ball, how he challenges opponents, the goal he has…” He added: “From television he looks special, he looks good, and up close he looks even more special. I hope he has a good tournament. He already won the European Championship.” That is high praise, but it also matches what Barça supporters watch every week. Lamine is not only productive. He is transformative. His confidence, timing and ability to create danger from nothing make him feel like a player far beyond his age. Messi remains untouchable Zlatan also had words for Messi, his former Barcelona teammate, who is still producing extraordinary numbers at 39. He said: “Messi is in another league. He is the greatest, that is it.” Zlatan had words of praise for Messi too. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The Swede added: “Messi is natural. It is as if the game was built for him. Everything he touches turns to gold.” For Barcelona, this is such a beautiful contrast. One La Masia legend continues to defy time, while another La Masia jewel is already being discussed among the very best. Messi and Lamine are at opposite ends of the football journey, but both carry the Barça legacy wherever they go. Ibrahimovic has never been someone who praises lightly. So when he puts Lamine in the elite and Messi beyond everyone, it makes for good reading as a Barça fan. Let us hope both Lamine and Messi can continue to contribute for their nations in the upcoming games at the World Cup.