Ronald de Boer did not leave much room for debate when asked which player is the most decisive in world football right now. For the former Netherlands international, the answer was clear, and it was an FC Barcelona star.
As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, De Boer was speaking during the Legends Trophy event in Milan when he was asked about the players making the biggest difference at the highest level. His reply put the spotlight firmly on Lamine Yamal. He said:
“Who is the most decisive player in the world? For me, Lamine Yamal, especially for his age, is incredible.”
That is a huge statement, not just because of who said it, but because of the standard of players De Boer was measuring Lamine against. He was not limiting the conversation to young talents or rising stars. He was talking about the entire game. He continued:
“I also like Raphinha, Mbappe, Vinicius… There are many very good players, I have even seen great players at Bayern Munich. But if I have to choose one, I choose Lamine Yamal.”
De Boer’s words suggest that its high time one takes Lamine out of the wonderkid category and puts him in the world-class league. He is as good as they come and it is only a coincidence that it is happening at just 18-years-old.
Barca fans already know he can change games in an instant, but when respected former players start placing him above established global stars, it shows the conversation around him has moved to another level.
There is a case to be made that the Spanish teenager is among the best ever teenagers to have played this sport and from a Barcelona perspective, they’ll hope that he can continue this for a long time to come.
