Yamal eyes Messi-like positional evolution

Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal has revealed that he sees himself playing a more central attacking role in the future, following an evolution similar to that of club legend Lionel Messi.

In a recent interview, the 18-year-old said that he currently operates mainly on the right wing but believes he will gradually move into more central positions as his career develops.

According to Yamal, the change would help him become more influential and harder for opponents to defend against, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

The young forward explained that playing centrally would make it more difficult for teams to neutralize him by surrounding him with multiple defenders, a tactic often used when he plays on the flank.

“I think Messi had three players marking him when he was on the wing. The only place where they cannot do that is in the central areas because there is much more space and movement. Over time, I will move there because on the wing it is easier for teams to defend against you with three players, while in the middle it is much more difficult,” Yamal said.

Yamal acknowledged that his current position on the wing is more beneficial for the team at this stage of his career, but added that a positional change appears inevitable as he continues to develop.

The Barcelona youngster is widely regarded as one of the biggest talents in world football, with comparisons to Messi becoming increasingly common.

However, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente recently warned that constant comparisons with Messi could put unnecessary pressure on Yamal, stressing that the teenager must follow his own path and avoid excessive expectations.

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