'That's what sets him apart' - Deco hails key quality of Lamine Yamal and says wonderkid good enough to play for 'best teams in Barcelona's history'

Yamal has received praise from all corners over the past year and Deco has joined in by claiming the 17-year-old would already play for the best Barcelona teams in history. Yamal played an instrumental role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph and is the favourite to cap the year by claiming the 2024 Kopa Trophy.

Yamal has carried his form from the summer into the new season, with five goal contributions in four La Liga games for Barcelona. There's already a feeling that the Blaugrana are reliant on the teenager, but Deco claims he doesn't feel the pressure of representing the Spanish giants. It's this mental resilience that the former Barca and Chelsea midfielder believes sets Yamal apart from the rest.

"More than his technical talent, Lamine Yamal is very strong from a mental point of view," Deco said. "That is what sets him apart from the others. He doesn't feel the weight of representing Barca and the national team on the big stages. He would play for the best Barca teams in history."

Hansi Flick's side, top of La Liga after four wins from four, return to action following the international break with a trip to Girona on Sunday.