Barcelona’s Raphinha compares teammate Lamine Yamal’s playing style to Neymar rather than Messi, citing his unique dribbling and quick thinking. The 17-year-old La Masia graduate is part of Barcelona’s successful attack this season, alongside Lewandowski and Raphinha, who has 10 goals and 7 assists.
Key Highlights
- Plays more like Neymar than Messi, with quick dribbles and surprise moves.
- Barcelona’s attack is thriving: Lewandowski (14 goals), Raphinha (10 goals, 7 assists).
- The team faces Espanyol in an upcoming Catalan derby on November 3.
Neymar Over Messi: A Teammate’s View
Barcelona’s exciting teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has drawn many comparisons to Lionel Messi, but his teammate Raphinha has a different view. The Brazilian winger believes the 17-year-old wonderkid plays more like Neymar.
Inside the Training Ground
Speaking to El Pais, Raphinha shared his thoughts on his young teammate: “I see him more like Neymar—the dribbling, how fast he thinks to dribble. When you think you can steal the ball from him, he does something you’ve never seen in your life.”
Rising Through La Masia
Yamal, who came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy just like Messi, has been a standout performer in the 2024-25 season. He’s part of a powerful attacking lineup alongside Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, helping Barcelona make a strong start in La Liga.
Team Success and Personal Achievement
Raphinha himself has been in excellent form under new manager Hansi Flick, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists in 14 games. Despite his impressive statistics, the Brazilian remains modest about his contributions. “I don’t feel like a protagonist,” he said. “The whole team is the protagonist. When everyone is on form, it is natural for strikers to excel more.”
Looking Ahead
Barcelona’s high-scoring attack, featuring Lewandowski as the league’s top scorer with 14 goals, has entertained fans and rivals. The team will look to continue their impressive run when they face local rivals Espanyol in the upcoming Catalan derby on November 3.
A New Legacy in the Making
This fresh perspective on Yamal’s playing style offers an interesting insight from someone who sees the young star’s abilities up close, suggesting that while the Messi comparisons are natural, there might be another Barcelona legend whose style better matches the exciting teenager’s approach to the game.
