Sport
Malouda Says It’s Too Soon to Compare Yamal to Messi or Ronaldo
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.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has urged the club to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, who has reportedly handed in a transfer request after multiple bids from Inter Milan were turned down. Wright praised the Nigerian international as a “top player” and believes he has more to offer in English football. He feels Lookman’s return to the Premier League could be exactly what Arsenal need to push for the title.
Speaking on his podcast, Wright expressed hope that Arsenal will move quickly to bring him in. “I’d love to see him at Arsenal,” Wright said. “He’s got unfinished business in the Premier League, and I believe he can help us finally win the league.”
Wright also commended Lookman’s journey and growth, saying, “His progress has been amazing, and now he’s finally getting the recognition he deserves.”
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has opened up on why Nigeria lost 1-0 to Senegal in their opening Group D match at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Tuesday. The game, played at the Amani Stadium in Tanzania, saw Nigeria concede a second-half goal scored by Christian Gomis, giving Senegal all three points.
Speaking after the match, Chelle explained that the Senegalese team simply outplayed Nigeria with greater aggression and energy. “Senegal showed more intensity than we did. They were more aggressive and deserved to win,” he said.
Chelle also pointed out that a costly error led to Senegal’s goal. He admitted his players never really settled into the match, possibly due to nerves or lack of confidence. “We made a mistake in the second half that led to the goal. But honestly, we never got into the game mentally,” he added.
Kylian Mbappé has his sights set on greatness as he begins a new chapter with Real Madrid. The 26-year-old forward, now wearing the number 10 shirt, shared his excitement ahead of the season in a post on Instagram Monday evening.
“New season. Hungry to do something great,” he wrote, rallying Madrid fans with a confident “Let’s go all together, Madridistas. Hala Madrid.” After making a high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain last year, Mbappé has quickly cemented himself as a key figure under Carlo Ancelotti.
He’ll be taking charge of penalty duties this season and will be expected to deliver, following a stellar performance last year where he scored 44 goals and picked up both the Pichichi and Golden Boot awards.
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