Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has played down comparisons between teenage star Lamine Yamal and club icon Lionel Messi, describing such parallels as unrealistic and urging fans and pundits to allow the young winger carve out his own identity.
Yamal, a product of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, has frequently been likened to the Argentine great due to his creativity, confidence, and immediate impact at senior level.
The 18-year-old further showcased his immense talent on Sunday by netting a sensational acrobatic goal in a convincing 3-0 victory over Real Oviedo, a result that propelled Barcelona to the summit of the La Liga table.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday ahead of Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League clash against Copenhagen, Olmo called for moderation in expectations.
“Lamine has his own journey, and he understands that. Comparing any current player to Messi is simply unrealistic,” Olmo said.
“Lamine is exceptional. He is very young, what he is offering us now is incredible, and there is so much more to come.”
Yamal made his Barcelona debut at just 15 and has since broken multiple records, including becoming the youngest goalscorer in La Liga history.
He also featured prominently in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and was instrumental in Barcelona’s impressive run to the Champions League semi-finals last season.
Olmo highlighted the teenager’s composure, stressing that the team is focused on nurturing his growth rather than burdening him with excessive expectations.
“He is calm, he has his own direction and mindset. We are here to support him — that’s our responsibility,” Olmo added.
“Football is a collective effort. If Lamine performs well, scores, and helps us win, then the whole team benefits.”
Barcelona will host Copenhagen on Wednesday, knowing that a win, combined with favourable results elsewhere, could secure a top-eight finish in the Champions League league phase and guarantee direct qualification for the round of 16.
Head coach Hansi Flick confirmed that Pedri Gonzalez will miss the encounter due to injury, while Frenkie de Jong is suspended. However, Ferran Torres could make his return after recovering from injury.
“We must approach this match with respect. Copenhagen are a very strong side, and we need to perform at our highest level,” Flick said.
“We have a huge opportunity to finish in the top eight, and we will give everything to achieve it.”
Off the pitch, Flick has also delivered a firm message regarding commitment and loyalty, stressing that wearing the Barcelona jersey demands total dedication.
According to BBC Sport, the German tactician addressed recent concerns over young players leaving the club by making it clear that only those fully devoted to Barcelona’s identity will be retained.
“If you want to play for Barça, you must give everything — with your whole heart,” Flick said. “This applies to everyone here now and in the future. Commitment must be absolute.”
His remarks followed the departure of 18-year-old midfielder Dro Fernandez, who joined Paris Saint-Germain after the French champions triggered an €8.2 million (£7.1 million) deal — a sum above his €6 million (£5.2 million) release clause — in a move reportedly designed to maintain strong relations between the two clubs.
Flick insisted that only players who fully embrace Barcelona’s culture have a future at the club.
“You must live for these colours. That is what I want to see. Anyone who cannot do that does not belong here,” he said.
While acknowledging that the club may not always agree with the decisions taken by young players, Flick noted that they ultimately bear responsibility for their choices.
“Sometimes we may not agree, but at 18, they are old enough to make their own decisions, guided by those around them,” he added.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta also admitted he was surprised by Fernandez’s move to PSG.
“It was unexpected because we had agreed on a different plan for when he turned 18,” Laporta said. “Unfortunately, his representative later informed us that the agreement could not be honoured.”
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