Manchester United icon, Rio Ferdinand, has heaped praise on Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal after the youngster’s standout performance in their thrilling 3-3 UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg clash against Inter Milan on Wednesday night.
Ferdinand, visibly impressed, stated that the 17-year-old sensation is operating on a different level compared to any other player currently competing in Europe’s top five leagues.
The former England international went a step further, suggesting Yamal is already the best footballer in the world based purely on talent.
Taking to X after the pulsating encounter, Ferdinand posted, “As a pure football talent I’m going as far as to say I think Lamine Yamal is on another level to any player playing the game in the top [five] leagues in world football.”
The match saw Inter Milan take early control, with Marcus Thuram striking inside the first minute and Denzel Dumfries following up with a spectacular overhead finish to make it 2-0.
Barcelona, however, responded with resilience. Yamal ignited the comeback with a composed finish, before Ferran Torres leveled things up before the break by slicing through the Italian defense.
Dumfries then restored Inter’s lead with a powerful header from a corner, only for Raphinha’s long-range shot to deflect off goalkeeper Yann Sommer and ripple the net to make it 3-3.
The highly anticipated second leg will unfold next week at the San Siro.
