"He's the perfect example of what Lamine Yamal must avoid" - Graeme Souness asks Barcelona star to not follow Real Madrid man's footsteps
Football pundit Graeme Souness has cautioned Barcelona's Lamine Yamal not to follow Jude Bellingham's behavioural footsteps. Souness also lauded the Spanish wonderkid for his decision-making and impact on the pitch.
In a discussion with the Daily Mail, Souness was critical of Jude Bellingham and used the opportunity to advise Yamal. He said (via Barca Universal):
“He’s the perfect example of what Lamine Yamal must avoid. Without a doubt, we’re seeing the beginnings of a very special talent. At just 17 years old, he makes decisions that one would expect from much older players.”
At 17 years of age, Yamal has headlined several footballing discussions due to his talent and performance for Spain and Barcelona. The Spaniard started by playing an integral role as La Roja lifted the 2024 UEFA Euro.
The youngster has also been a delight to watch for Barcelona, having recently helped Hansi Flick's side win the 2024-25 Copa del Rey. In 50 outings for La Blaugrana, Yamal has contributed 15 goals and recorded 24 assists across competitions this season.
In Barca's recent 3-3 first-leg UEFA Champions League semi-final clash with Inter, Yamal became the youngest player to score in a UEFA Champions League last-four game (via Transfermarkt). In the same game, the Spaniard became the youngest player to feature in 100 competitive games for Barcelona (via UEFA.com).
What Graeme Souness said about Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham before advising Barcelona's Lamine Yamal not to emulate the Englishman
Graeme Souness said that Jude Bellingham's temperament and performance worried him. Before using Bellingham's situation to advise Yamal, Souness had this to say during an interview with the Daily Mail (via Barca Universal):
“Watching Bellingham at Real Madrid lately has worried me. He had an incredible first season in Spain and seemed to be conquering the world, but now I have a bad feeling he’s not listening anymore. I hope I’m wrong, but this season has been a disappointment, and you have to question his behaviour at times.”
Last season, Bellingham played a crucial role as Madrid won the Champions League and LaLiga double, bagging 23 goals and 13 assists in 43 appearances. The midfielder has delivered 13 goals and 14 assists in 48 games this term.
