Former French international Florent Malouda has weighed in on the growing comparisons between Lamine Yamal and football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, urging fans and pundits to slow down.

Speaking to Racing Tipster, the ex-Chelsea winger said it’s far too soon to place such pressure on the 17-year-old Barcelona sensation. He believes Yamal should be allowed to grow at his own pace without being boxed into the shadows of two of the game’s greatest players.

“That kind of talk is too much right now,” Malouda said. “It can take away from his own identity. Yes, he might be inspired by Ronaldo or Messi, but he clearly has his own style.”

Malouda praised Yamal’s maturity and achievements at such a young age, noting that even Messi and Ronaldo hadn’t reached similar heights at that age. But he emphasized that long-term success is what will truly define Yamal’s career.

“It’s about consistency and growth,” he added. “We can only start comparing him to Messi or Ronaldo if he keeps improving and sets high goals for himself. He has the talent, but he needs time and focus.” Yamal played a crucial role in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph and was key in Barcelona’s run to the Champions League semifinal, where they were eventually knocked out by Inter Milan.

Dutch football icon Marco van Basten has urged Barcelona coach Hansi Flick to rethink Lamine Yamal’s role on the pitch.

Reacting to Barça’s 4-3 loss to Inter Milan in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal, van Basten said Yamal’s talent is being underused on the right wing. Despite being one of the standout players, the young Spaniard couldn’t find the net as Barcelona exited the competition after a dramatic two-legged tie that ended 7-6 on aggregate.

Van Basten believes the 16-year-old would have a greater impact if played centrally, where he could get more touches and dictate the game. “It’s a shame he plays wide,” van Basten told Ziggo Sport. “He’s dangerous on the right, yes, but he doesn’t get the ball enough. In the middle, he’d have more control, more chances to influence the match.”

He added that Yamal has already proven he can create and score, but his next step is to become the team’s heartbeat. “A player that good should be at the center of the action,” he said.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has openly admitted that his team has been the worst in the Premier League this season based on results.

Speaking ahead of their Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao, Amorim didn’t hold back in his assessment, following the club’s 16th league loss — a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Brentford.

That defeat marked United’s worst run in 35 years. Still, they have a chance to redeem their season by winning the Europa League and securing a Champions League spot. Amorim said, “Right now, when you look at the Premier League, based on results, we’re the worst side since I came in. That’s how I see it.”

He went on to say that even if United ends up with a European title, this season has been one of the most disappointing in the club’s modern history. “Nothing changes that feeling,” he added. “This has been one of the worst seasons in the last 50 years, and I still feel that way.”