Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal has been turning heads across Europe. At just 17, he’s already played a huge role for both club and country — helping Spain lift Euro 2024 and leading Barca’s charge in La Liga.
But while fans marvel at his skills, the youngster has his own football idols — and one of them wears Arsenal red.
In a recent interview (via Goal), Yamal was asked to name his current favorite players outside of Barcelona. Without missing a beat, he said:
“Right now, outside of Barca, I think [Ousmane] Dembele or Bukayo Saka are doing really well.”
It’s not often you hear two electric wingers praising each other. But when a talent like Yamal points to Saka, it’s worth paying attention.
Both play on the right flank, both are quick, technical, and fearless — and both are already key men for their clubs.
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Yamal is already being compared to Barcelona legends. His calmness on the ball, sharp dribbling, and mature decision-making are straight from the La Masia handbook.
But his praise for Saka shows he’s watching and learning from the best in other leagues too.
Saka, who missed a chunk of this season through injury, remains Arsenal’s crown jewel. And he’s just as impressed by Yamal. Speaking to Sky Sports, the England winger said:
“He’s top. Honestly, doing what he is doing at his age, what can you say, he’s unreal. It’s not normal.”
Not normal indeed — two future Ballon d’Or hopefuls already recognizing each other’s talent. You could say it’s mutual respect with a twist of flair.
Lamine Yamal reveals stadiums he would love to play at
Yamal also admitted he dreams of playing in iconic stadiums like Old Trafford and Anfield.
“There are so many I’ve yet to experience, especially outside of Europe. In Europe, some of the iconic ones I’d like to play in are Old Trafford and Anfield.”
Whether those dreams involve a future Premier League move remains to be seen — though Arsenal fans might already be placing subtle winks toward Catalonia.
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