Yamal's Evolution: Following Messi's Path to Central Dominance

The Messi Comparison: A Coach's Bold Prediction

Jordi Font, who coached Lamine Yamal during his formative years at La Masia, has made a striking comparison that has captured the attention of football fans worldwide. Speaking to Tribuna, Font declared that Yamal is "evolving similarly to Messi" and believes the young winger could achieve even greater heights by transitioning to a more central role. This isn't just casual speculation from a former youth coach – Font's insights carry weight, having worked with Barcelona's academy prospects from 2006 to 2017 and being one of the few coaches to have trained both Yamal and Dani Olmo.

Font's assessment centers on a fundamental principle: "With that kind of talent, the more involved you are in the game, the more decisive you become." He argues that if Yamal plays more through the middle, there would be "more opportunities for his best traits to shine". This perspective aligns with how Messi's own career evolved, transitioning from a right winger to a false nine and eventually to a deeper playmaking role. The parallels Font draws aren't merely about playing style but about maximizing a generational talent's impact on the game.

Current Performance: Breaking Records on the Right Wing

Before examining the potential for positional change, it's crucial to understand just how exceptional Yamal's current performances have been. In the 2024-25 season, the 17-year-old has been nothing short of sensational, recording 18 goals and 25 assists across all competitions. These numbers represent a significant leap from his previous season's tally of 7 goals and 10 assists in 50 appearances. His statistical progression shows a player hitting his stride at an unprecedented age.

Yamal's impact extends beyond mere numbers. He played a pivotal role in Barcelona's domestic treble, helping guide the club to La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup victories while also reaching the Champions League semifinal. His performances have been so impressive that he's widely considered a frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or, with many pundits and players claiming he's already among the best players in the world at just 17 years old. The teenager's trajectory since his debut at 15 years and 290 days has been faster than both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the same age.

The Van Basten Endorsement: Elite Voices Supporting Change

Font isn't alone in his belief that Yamal could benefit from a more central role. Three-time Ballon d'Or winner Marco van Basten has also urged Barcelona manager Hansi Flick to consider moving Yamal more centrally. Van Basten's assessment is particularly striking: "It's actually a shame that he plays right wing because he doesn't get the ball enough. If he plays more centrally, he has much more influence on the game".

Van Basten's tactical analysis goes deeper than Font's emotional comparison to Messi. The Dutch legend argues that while Yamal is "a constant threat on the right," playing "in the axis of the field" would allow him to "mean even more to the team." He emphasizes that "such a good player should play much more in the center of the field" to maximize his influence. This endorsement from one of football's greatest strikers adds significant credibility to the argument for Yamal's positional evolution.

Tactical Implications: The Challenges of Central Transition

While the idea of moving Yamal centrally is appealing in theory, the practical implications present several challenges. Currently, Barcelona's attacking midfield is well-stocked with players like Dani Olmo and Fermín López, making it unlikely that Flick would alter a winning formula. Yamal has been exclusively used on the right wing in Barcelona colors and has thrived in wider areas, utilizing his "remarkable speed, trickery and agility to torment left backs weekly".

The transition wouldn't be without precedent in modern football. Many of today's greatest players have successfully moved from wide positions to more central roles as they've matured. However, Yamal's current effectiveness on the right wing raises questions about whether such a change is necessary. His ability to create chances, score goals, and provide assists from wide positions has been exceptional, and disrupting this formula could potentially limit rather than enhance his impact. The timing of any such transition would be crucial, likely requiring careful planning and gradual implementation.

Contract Security: Building for the Future

Barcelona's confidence in Yamal's long-term potential is evident in their contract negotiations. The club has made securing Yamal's future a top priority, with reports indicating he's close to signing a new six-year deal when he turns 18 in July 2025. His agent, Jorge Mendes, has confirmed that "Lamine is a Barca player and he will be for many years," describing him as having "all the conditions to succeed at the highest level and be No.1".

The new contract is expected to include a significant salary increase and a release clause of €1 billion, reflecting Barcelona's determination to keep their prized asset. This long-term commitment provides the perfect foundation for any positional experimentation. With Yamal's future secured, Barcelona can afford to gradually introduce him to central roles without the pressure of immediate results, allowing for a natural evolution similar to Messi's career progression.

Global Recognition: The Next Generation's Standard Bearer

Yamal's rise has helped Barcelona move beyond the post-Messi era, with many viewing him as the natural successor to the Argentine legend. His performances have earned recognition from across the football world, with comparisons to Messi becoming increasingly common. The teenager's ability to perform in crucial moments, such as his goal in the 4-3 Clásico comeback victory over Real Madrid, demonstrates the mental fortitude required for central roles.

The global football community has taken notice of Yamal's exceptional talent. His European Championship victory with Spain, combined with his domestic success at Barcelona, has established him as the standard bearer for the next generation of football stars. This recognition brings both opportunity and pressure, as expectations continue to rise with each outstanding performance. The question now isn't whether Yamal will become a world-class player – it's how Barcelona can best utilize his talents to maximize both his individual potential and the team's success. Font's suggestion of a central role represents one pathway to achieving this goal, following the blueprint established by the greatest player in Barcelona's history.