Lamine Yamal Labeled \'Genius\', \'Phenomenon Born Every 50 Years\'
Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi heaped extraordinary praise on 17-year-old Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, calling him a \"phenomenon born every 50 years\" following their 3-3 Champions League semifinal first leg draw.
Yamal marked his 100th professional appearance for Barcelona by spearheading their comeback from a 2-0 deficit. The teenage winger scored an exceptional solo goal and hit the woodwork twice during a performance that left both managers in awe.
Barcelona twice came from behind, with Yamal scoring their first goal and later facilitating Raphinha\'s equalizer that made it 3-3. The match saw Inter take an early two-goal lead before Barcelona\'s resilient response.
Teenage Sensation Shines on European Stage
Despite missing the chance to secure victory when his last-minute lob struck the crossbar, Yamal\'s performance showcased his extraordinary talent on one of soccer\'s biggest stages. He finished the match with a goal, multiple created chances, and two shots that hit the woodwork.
At just 17 years and 292 days old, Yamal has already compiled remarkable statistics across his 100 appearances: 22 goals, 27 assists, and 6,859 minutes played while collecting three club trophies.
The Spain international has enjoyed his most productive campaign this season with 15 goals and 20 assists in 49 appearances, helping Barcelona remain in contention for a treble of league, cup, and European honors.
\"We could even have won this game against a team who have a player who is difficult to stop,\" Inzaghi said afterward. \"We started well, but they created a lot of problems: he created a lot of problems. He is a player I had not seen live before. We had to double up on him. We managed it better in the second half and could even have won. Lamine Yamal is a phenomenon born every 50 years. We made some adjustments to improve how we dealt with him after the break, which is not easy. He really impressed me today.\"
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was equally effusive in his praise: \"I think he\'s special. I said it often before, he\'s a genius. During the game, when I look at the match from the outside, it\'s not like when you see after. You see all the details and it is unbelievable how he does it. At 17 years old, he\'s an unbelievable player and for me the important thing is he keeps going.
\"He was so important for us in the first half. He created a lot of things and scored the first goal. You know, I know, everyone knows, and after today, that he is a fantastic player. He does it always in the big games. In the big matches like the semi-final today, he shows how good he is. This is what we want and need from him. He\'s always there. He has to enjoy it too. I am really happy that this talent who comes every 50 years plays for Barcelona.\"