Yamal made his debut against a Premier League side on Matchday 5 of the Champions League group stage, facing Enzo Maresca’s team. ..Continue Reading
The young star, considered one of the brightest prospects in global football, entered the match having scored three times in his previous four appearances—a positive indicator for his team.
Before the game, fellow Spaniard Marc Cucurella playfully hinted that Yamal might face a tough challenge.
“It’s difficult to play against them [type of players] because they have special talent and a lot of quality,” said Cucurella. “It’s not Lamine vs Cucurella. It’s a big game. We need to have a big game.”
He added: “I tell [Estevao Willian] to put shin pads on in training because I start to train [for the game vs Barcelona].”
Soon after, Yamal was overshadowed by Chelsea’s Estevao, who scored as the home side secured a dominant 3-0 win.
Estevao’s standout display prompted fans to chant: “You’re just a sh– Estevao” at Yamal before he was substituted for Dani Olmo in the 80th minute.
Cucurella, for his part, managed to contain his national teammate for much of the game.
Social media quickly reacted to Yamal’s performance.
One said: “The world needs to start giving Cucurella the praise he deserves. Yamal no problem,” while another commented: “Never seen anything like this. Estevao makes Lamine Yamal look so ordinary. What a talent.”
A third wrote: “I’ve just witnessed one of the best performances by a teenager at Stamford Bridge. And it wasn’t Lamine Yamal. Won’t be forgetting it quickly.”
A fourth said: “Lamine Yamal looked like Antony in the Premier League tonight. Just shows the difference in level between,” and a fifth added: “Yamal nowhere to be seen.”
In his pre-match comments, Cucurella was asked to compare Yamal and Estevao.
“I think both of them are very special players, they have a lot of talent, they always go to the ball, they always try to do the one-by-ones,” he said.
“They are players who can decide games. And then I think maybe the only difference is that Lamine is playing in Europe for maybe two or three seasons and Estevao is arriving this season.”
“But he’s doing really well,” added Cucurella. “I think he’s continuing in his way and his level and improving in all aspects.”
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