Few people have seen as many footballers in their lifetime as Piet de Visser (89), but Lamine Yamal has shown things that even De Visser has never seen before. He shared this in an interview with Voetbal International.
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In my eighty years in football, I have never seen a sixteen-year-old player excel at such a high level. He has done it at Barcelona, and now also with Spain. Talents always have a match where they stand out, but Yamal does it consistently.
I have closely followed all his matches at the European Championship, and every time he has shown something special. Before the European Championship, I had placed him in my talent team. But after the second match, I had already moved him to the big boys. He is the gem of this tournament, praised De Visser.
In all aspects, Yamal is, in his opinion, of the highest caliber. "For technique, Yamal gets a 9. His ball control, dribbling, and precision in passing are exceptional for his age. Then vision, which I find so important. Technical players usually score at most a 7 in this area. But Yamal also gets a 9 for that. He sees the game, looks over the ball, knows who is free. His awareness and understanding of the game allow him to make decisions that are beyond his years. That's why he gives so many assists.
Then his physicality, which at his age is already formidable. His stamina, strength, and speed make him stand out even more. I sometimes saw him defending back, in his own half: that is not normal. Most young players lack the discipline to track back and help in defense, but Yamal does it effortlessly. His ability to balance offensive brilliance with defensive responsibilities is a rare trait. It's not just his physical attributes but also his mental toughness and work ethic that set him apart. He plays with the maturity and composure of a seasoned professional, which is truly extraordinary for someone his age."
De Visser also highlighted Yamal's impact on his teammates and his ability to influence the outcome of matches. "He is a player who can change the course of a game with a single moment of brilliance. His presence on the field lifts the entire team. You can see his teammates have great confidence in him, often looking to him to create opportunities. Yamal's leadership qualities are emerging too; he communicates well, encourages others, and takes responsibility in critical moments."
"In summary, Yamal is not just a remarkable young talent; he is a phenomenon. His consistent performances, technical prowess, tactical understanding, physical capabilities, and emerging leadership make him the standout player of this tournament. Watching him play is a joy, and I have no doubt that he has a very bright future ahead of him," concluded De Visser.
