Real Madrid legend puts Barcelona sensation above Messi and Michael Owen at 17: ‘Even better than them’

Real Madrid legend puts Barcelona sensation above Messi and Michael Owen at 17: ‘Even better than them’ Steve McManaman has made a huge claim about Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, insisting the teenager is already beyond anything football has previously seen at his age. The former Real Madrid and Liverpool winger, speaking to SPORT , described Yamal as a global star and argued that his level at 16 and 17 surpasses even the teenage versions of Lionel Messi and Michael Owen. “I think he’s already a global star. Without a doubt. But I think he’s going to get even better. He’s just too good,” he said. McManaman makes extraordinary Yamal comparison The former winger believes Yamal’s development should be handled carefully, particularly because of the enormous workload already placed on the Barcelona forward. “He simply needs to keep working hard and improving his game. The more experience he gains, the better a player he will become.” McManaman has nothing but praise for Lamine Yamal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The former Real Madrid winger then pointed to the possibility of picking up frequent injuries if young players are overused. “I hope he stays injury-free. He’s already suffered a muscle injury. If you’re a Barcelona fan, you’ll know that first it was Gavi, who had a serious injury. “Then it was Pedri, who also suffered a serious injury. Now it’s Lamine. I hope he can stay clear of serious injuries.  “When you play so much football and are such a key player at 16, 17 or 18, it’s very difficult.” In any way, McManaman conceded that Yamal, at his age, is the best player he has ever seen.  “But I think it’s the best we’ve ever seen. As a 16- or 17-year-old player, he’s the best teenager we’ve ever seen.  Araujo has made a strong impression at Liverpool. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) “And I compare him to Michael Owen at 17, Leo at 17 or 18. But I think Lamine is even better than them.” Araujo could thrive in the Premier League McManaman also discussed Ronald Araujo and suggested the Barcelona defender possesses qualities that could translate well to English football with his loan spell at Liverpool. “I really like him. I watch quite a lot of La Liga, and he’s a very good defender. “As a defender, I think he’s really good. Many Liverpool fans are worried that the team might struggle at right-back. “But, as you know, Ronald has played there several times. I’ve seen him play there when Kounde moved into centre-back and Ronald was tasked with marking Vinícius Júnior. And he did it really well,” he concluded.