Luis Figo makes amusing Lamine Yamal admission and praises Barcelona youngster: ‘If we had played together…’

Luis Figo makes amusing Lamine Yamal admission and praises Barcelona youngster: ‘If we had played together…’ Former Barcelona and Real Madrid winger Luis Figo has praised Lamine Yamal’s qualities, joking that he might have been forced to switch positions had the two shared a dressing room.  The former Portugal international, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2000, discussed the Barcelona teenager’s playing style and explained why opposition defenders avoid following dangerous attackers through man-to-man marking. Figo jokes about changing positions alongside Yamal Yamal has become one of Barcelona’s most influential attacking players, with his ability to beat defenders and create opportunities making him a constant threat from the right flank. Asked to imagine playing alongside the teenager, Figo responded with humour, suggesting that the two players’ preferred positions could have created an interesting tactical situation. “If we had played together, maybe I would have had to play on the left and switch positions,” said the former winger, as quoted by SPORT . Figo explains why man-marking Yamal would be difficult Luis Figo has praised Lamine Yamal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Figo also discussed the defensive challenges involved in containing players such as Yamal.  The former winger believes modern football has moved away from the extensive man-to-man marking approaches that were more common during previous generations. “I think you see less and less man-to-man marking on the field these days. “Logically, you mark the player who most often comes into your zone—in this case, the left back.  Figo played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Mandatory Credit: Clive Brunskill /Allsport “Trying to mark him man-to-man all over the field would be crazy,” he explained. Figo reflects on his own footballing qualities Figo also took the opportunity to reflect on his own ability, recalling the qualities that made him one of the outstanding right wingers of his generation. The Portuguese combined technical excellence, physical strength and acceleration, allowing him to beat defenders in one-on-one situations and influence attacking phases. “I had incredible talent, didn’t I?” he concluded.