Neither Salah, nor Raphinha, nor Mbappé. The best player in Europe is 17 years old and his name is Lamine Yamal.
In a new high-voltage Clásico, the Barça youth player once again showed why he is destined to make history. He was the most decisive footballer of the match, according to Opta data, and he keeps collecting records and praise.
The most brilliant player of the clásico
In the latest duel between Barça and Real Madrid, Lamine Yamal was the player who shot at goal the most: 7 total shots, 5 of which were on target. He surpassed Raphinha (6) and Mbappé (5), and he alone accounted for more than half of the shots on target for the culé team. Additionally, he scored the equalizing goal and became the offensive engine of Hansi Flick's team.
He didn't stop there: he was also the Barça player with the most chances created (3), most completed dribbles (4), and most balls recovered (7). Numbers that, at his age, seem impossible... but not for Lamine. He completed 31 of the 35 passes he attempted, received two fouls and committed two others, and was key both in attack and defense.
"He has confidence, intelligence, and unique talent. His goal was key," Flick declared after the match. The German coach never tires of praising him, and it's no wonder.
Number one candidate for the Ballon d'Or
In his first 7 Clásicos, he has already left a mark and has been a torment for Real Madrid's defense.
Globally, Lamine Yamal is the best assistant in Europe with 24 goal passes, followed by Raphinha and Salah (23). He also leads the ranking of completed dribbles in LaLiga with 142, an astronomical figure that doubles his pursuer, Lukébakio (83).
At this level, his candidacy for the Ballon d'Or is no longer an illusion: it's a reality. With each match, Lamine Yamal shows that he is the present and the future of European soccer. And the best part: he has just begun.