Atletico Madrid and Spain midfielder Alex Baena has described Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal as the best player in the world and said he has not felt the same excitement watching a player since Lionel Messi.
Baena, speaking ahead of the Madrid derby in comments reported by Spanish newspaper Marca, also named Yamal, Rodri and Messi as his three choices in the Ballon d’Or race.
“I am very clear on this matter, my top three players are Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Messi.”
Baena was particularly emphatic about Yamal’s current level, praising the teenager’s ability and the impact he has already made despite his age.
“Lamine is the best in the world, while Rodri proved his level in the World Cup and was the best player in the tournament, while what the Argentinian is achieving at the age of thirty-nine is something that is difficult for any other player to achieve.”
The Atletico player said he had watched Yamal closely during the summer while the pair were with the Spain national team and claimed the Barcelona winger regularly produced things he had not seen from his professional team-mates.
“I saw him training a lot this summer (with the national team), and doing things that I don’t see in any of my professional teammates.”
Baena also explained that Yamal’s performances have changed the way he watches Barcelona matches, saying the youngster is one of the few players who can make him tune into a game specifically to watch an individual.
“He is one of the few players I watch matches just for. I only felt this way with Messi, as I used to watch matches just to see if he would play or not.”
The Spain international said the same feeling now applies to Yamal, whose presence has become a major reason for him to follow Barcelona’s matches.
“The same applies to Lamine. I watch Barca matches because of him and other players as well, but when he is not there, it becomes difficult for me to follow the match.”
Baena also spoke about his Argentine team-mate Julian Alvarez and said the forward is in a better psychological state after experiencing a difficult period away from football.
“Julian is doing well now, and I see him in a much better psychological state. He faced a very difficult period on a personal level, but he is smiling more and more each day, and is keen to help the team in every way he can.”
He said those around Alvarez had attempted to give him the necessary support during that period and believes the forward is now looking ahead to the weekend fixture.
“We tried to support him as much as possible, understanding the circumstances he was going through. Now he is in a good position, eagerly looking forward to the weekend’s match and helping us in every way he can.”
Baena’s comments underline the admiration Yamal has earned from a fellow Spain international, with the Atletico player placing the Barcelona youngster alongside established stars in his assessment of the world’s leading players.
