Mohammed Salisu praises ‘special player’ Lamine Yamal

Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal has received high praise from Ghana’s Mohammed Salisu following his impressive performances for both club and country.

Yamal, who has made headlines with a breakthrough season at Barcelona, recently featured prominently for Spain in their victorious European Championship campaign. The 17-year-old set records as the youngest player to appear and score in the competition, earning the Young Player of the Tournament accolade.

The Ghanaian defender faced Yamal for the first time when AS Monaco squared off against Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Monday. Salisu, who played a key role in Monaco’s 3-0 triumph over Barcelona at the Stade Louis II, offered his thoughts on the highly-rated winger.

“He had a great season and then he did very well at the Euros. I think he is a special player,” Salisu remarked to Mundo Deportivo before the game.

Despite Yamal coming on as a second-half substitute, he was unable to influence the outcome, as Monaco’s defensive solidity, including Salisu’s own standout performance, kept Barcelona at bay.

Salisu, a former Real Valladolid defender, commended Yamal’s talent and potential, highlighting the impact the young Spaniard has made at such a tender age.

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“Yes, I think everyone was surprised because he is a young player. He is 16-17 years old and at that age, when you play this kind of football, it is a bit of a surprise for everyone. I think he has a great future and he is a great player,” Salisu added.

Lamine Yamal’s rise has captured the attention of the football world, with his exceptional performances at such a young age marking him as one of the brightest prospects in European football.