Villarreal midfielder Dani Parejo has heaped praise on FC Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal, boldly claiming the teenager contributes more on the pitch than Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe.
While Mbappe is closing in on this season’s 2024/25 La Liga Pichichi trophy, Parejo says he would still choose Yamal over the French striker. In an interview with Cadena SER’s El Larguero, the Spanish veteran explained why Yamal’s impact goes beyond goal-scoring.
“Mbappe doesn’t surprise me anymore. What he does, including the number of goals he scores, is absolutely incredible,” Parejo said. “But I see football differently. For instance, even if Lamine scores 20 goals fewer, he contributes so much more.”
Parejo acknowledged the importance of goals but emphasized that football is about more than just finishing chances.
“Goals win games, that’s true, but there’s more to playing football. And Lamine plays the game in a special way.”
He went on to praise the 17-year-old’s football IQ and unique flair.
“Lamine Yamal seems touched by a magic wand. He’s a special talent. At just 17, he reads the game in a way that many seasoned professionals don’t. That kind of vision and intelligence is rare.”
Despite his age, Yamal has delivered stunning stats this season—netting 18 goals and providing 21 assists across all competitions. His creativity, maturity, and understanding of the game continue to make headlines and earn admiration from across the football world.
