Nicolas Anelka, former striker for Real Madrid and Arsenal, hailed Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal as one of the world’s best young players in an exclusive interview with SPORT. He placed Yamal alongside Kylian Mbappe among Europe’s top talents.

Anelka praised Yamal’s skill, goal-scoring ability, and creativity, calling him a rare player in today’s football landscape. He expressed excitement to watch him and noted that there are very few players of such quality anymore.

Highlighting the ongoing rivalry, Anelka drew attention to the fact that Yamal will represent Spain while Mbappe plays for France. This adds a national dimension to their already intense club competition between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Additionally, Anelka revealed he was once close to signing for Barcelona himself, lending weight to his admiration for the club’s rising star.

Overall, Anelka’s comments spotlight Yamal’s growing role in world football and heighten expectations for the battles ahead, both at club level and internationally.