Lamine Yamal is a 'genius'! Deco explains what Barcelona and Spain teen has in common with Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho

Barcelona sporting director Deco has spoken highly of Yamal in a recent interview while the teenage forward enjoys a vacation in Brazil. When asked about the advice he would give the youngster, Deco insisted that the football world must avoid overwhelming him and allow him to grow naturally.

The Portuguese drew comparisons between Yamal and past icons like Ronaldinho and Messi, calling him a “genius” with a unique understanding of the game. The 17-year-old has emerged as one of Barcelona’s brightest talents and is already playing a key role in the senior team. With the club going through a transitional phase, young stars like Yamal represent the future.

Having shared the pitch with both Ronaldinho and Messi, Deco sees a similar spark in Yamal, telling La Vanguardia: "What geniuses have in common is that they see what others don't see and Lamine has this. He masters football in a different way and in terms of his personal life, every player has his own world. His situation is different from Robert Lewandowski's, for example."

The young Spanish winger is expected to continue growing under new management at Barcelona, with his development carefully monitored by Deco and the coaching staff. While Ballon d'Or talk might be premature, his early promise has already placed him among Europe’s most exciting prospects.