Sport
Capello Admits Lamine Yamal Is a Top Talent but Says He’s Not the Next Messi
Former Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello has shared his thoughts on the ongoing comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi.
Since Yamal’s rise to prominence last season, fans and pundits have drawn parallels between the 17-year-old Spanish international and the Argentine legend. Both players came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, and like Messi, Yamal is a left-footed right winger with exceptional ball control and dribbling ability.
The young star made his senior debut for Barcelona in April 2023 and has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting talents in football. So far, he has played 86 games for the club, recording 18 goals and 23 assists.
Despite the growing comparisons, Capello believes Yamal is not on Messi’s level. Speaking to MARCA, the Italian coach said, “He’s a kid doing great things. When he first appeared at Barcelona, people called him the new Messi. He’s not at that level. He’s extraordinary, spectacular, and a top player, but he doesn’t have Messi’s genius.”
While reaching Messi’s heights may be a tough task, Yamal has already made history for Barcelona. He finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or rankings and has won both the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy, proving he’s on the path to greatness.
Chelsea player Enzo Fernández is in discussions to join Manchester City. This information was revealed by Fabrizio Romano, who shared that the two clubs are discussing a potential deal.
He wrote: “Enzo Fernández has a verbal agreement with Manchester City on personal terms.
“Deal depends on club-to-club decision, as #MCFC have not sent an official bid yet, but contacts will take place soon; decision on price is up to Chelsea.
“Enzo could be out again this weekend.”
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca mentions his captains for the team. He mentions Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland.
He shared “We have experienced players. For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four or five more days until the transfer window closes to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling , who at the moment are the two captains.”
Maresca confirmed the pair as part of his leadership group ahead of the 2026/27 season, with two more captains expected to be selected after the transfer window closes.
Chelsea manager speaks on the team and shares thoughts on considering a change in goalkeepers, giving another goalkeeper, Mike Penders, a chance.
“Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.”
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