Steven Gerrard Claims Lamine Yamal is More Advanced Than Messi and Ronaldo at 19

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard claims that FC Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is more advanced at age 19 than both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were at the same stage of their careers, Goal.com reported.

Speaking on Overlap Daily for Sky Bet, Gerrard suggested the Spanish teenager possesses a level of talent and potential that is “scary.” The former midfielder noted that Yamal is performing feats on the pitch that he has never witnessed from a player of that age, according to reports from Sofoot and Footeo News.

Gerrard analyzes Yamal’s potential

Gerrard, who played against Messi during the Argentine’s early years, believes Yamal’s current trajectory puts him on a unique path. “He is more advanced than CR7 was at 19, or than Lionel Messi, whom I played against when they were young,” Gerrard said, as reported by Footeo News.

While acknowledging the greatness of modern stars, Gerrard distinguished Yamal from other elite talents. He stated that while Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are close to reaching their peak, Yamal is the only player who could truly approach the heights of Messi and Ronaldo if he continues to evolve, Sofoot reported.

The former Liverpool midfielder emphasized that the primary challenge for the 19-year-old will be maintaining his competitive drive. He noted that the responsibility lies with the player, his inner circle, and his coaching staff to ensure he retains the “hunger” and desire for success required to reach that legendary status.

Rashford predicts Ballon d’Or success

The praise for the Barcelona winger extends to other high-profile players. Marcus Rashford, speaking to supporters after his time at FC Barcelona, told Mundo Deportivo that Yamal’s talent exceeds anyone he has played with, according to Foot Mercato.

Marcus Rashford suggested that he would not be surprised if Lamine Yamal wins as many as seven Ballon d’Or awards.

“I believe enormously in this boy’s talent,” Rashford said, while still acknowledging that Messi remains a unique genius that may never be replicated, Foot Mercato reported.

Yamal’s recent achievements

At the club level with FC Barcelona, Yamal has already secured several honors, including:

• Three La Liga titles
• One domestic cup
• Two Spanish Super Cups

Gerrard previously addressed Yamal’s status as a “phenomenon” on TNT Sports, describing his goal and assist statistics as “incredible, almost scary,” ahead of a fixture against Aston Villa, Goal.com reported.

Comparison of elite young talents

The debate surrounding Yamal’s ceiling often involves comparisons to the current generation of top-tier strikers. While Gerrard views Yamal as the primary candidate to reach the Messi-Ronaldo echelon, other players are frequently cited in the same conversation regarding peak performance.

Gerrard also advised the winger to remain at FC Barcelona, citing the club’s ability to compete for titles in La Liga and the Champions League, as well as the experience of playing in front of massive crowds and starting for a national team, Goal.com reported.

More on Lamine Yamal: Lamine Yamal Breaks Mbappé's Record: Most Champions League Goals Before Age 20 · Lamine Yamal Faces Injury Doubt Ahead of Spain's Match Against England · Rashford: Lamine Yamal 'on another level,' closest to Messi's talent before leaving Barça