The Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman recently showered praise on Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, hoping he can achieve what Lionel Messi did for the club one day. The Dutchman notably coached the Argentine legend in his final season at Barcelona i.e. the 2020-21 campaign.
Under Koeman, the Argentine superstar contributed 38 goals and 16 assists in 47 appearances across competitions. Ahead of the Netherlands' quarter-final clash against Spain in the UEFA Nations League (March 20), Koeman shared his take on another rising Blaugrana superstar, Lamine Yamal. The youngster is widely expected to succeed the renowned Argentine at the club. At the young age of 17, Lamine Yamal has risen to become one of the most promising young footballers in the world. Much like Messi, the Spaniard rose from Barca's famed youth academy, La Masia. He also plays best on the right wing and has a deadly left foot, which further resembles the Argentine star. Lionel Messi is without a doubt regarded as the greatest Blaugrana player ever. Between 2004 and 2021, he made 778 appearances for his youth team in competitions, scoring 672 goals and 303 assists. During his tenure, La Pulga also led the Catalans to a club record 35 championships. Lamine Yamal has been in incredible form for Barcelona this season, contributing 13 goals and 17 assists in 38 outings across competitions. The youngster also won his first title with his boyhood side with the Supercopa de Espana in January this year.
Yamal will face Frenkie de Jong while representing Spain in the UEFA Nations League on March 20.
The Dutch coach took the opportunity to express his admiration for the squad managed by Luis de la Fuente. "It is a solid team with excellent players in-between. Moreover, with Nico and Lamine on the wings, they bring a lot of pace," he stated. Koeman did not shy away from acknowledging that Spain's strength may force them to adopt a conservative approach at times during the game, but he emphasized his resolve for 'Oranje' to stay true to the essence of Dutch football, which has traditionally leaned towards attacking play.
"Sometimes you have to park the bus, but you really don't want to. We will try to play high and press. It will be essential to play with intensity to regain possession and keep it in their half," detailed the former manager of Valencia and Barcelona, where he also played a key role in securing the club’s first-ever European Cup in 1992 with a free-kick that toppled in the final.
The gastroenteritis that caused the Barcelona midfielder to miss the Metropolitano matchup with Atletico Madrid has completely subsided. He expressed excitement about competing against several of his club teammates this Thursday. "It’s a special match because I will be playing with many players from my club, and the national team is extraordinary. It’s going to be an exciting game," he noted.
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