Lamine Yamal has achieved another major milestone with Barcelona, recording 80 goals and assists in just 130 appearances for the first team.
This figure was reached last night during Barcelona’s 2–0 victory over Racing in the Copa del Rey, with Yamal scoring his 35th career goal in the 95th minute. With a total of 45 assists, the young Spanish star averages a goal or assist every 118.6 minutes, and statistics show that he is currently the best dribbler in Europe.
In comparison to Lionel Messi, who also reached 80 goals and assists in the Copa del Rey in November 2008, the Argentine star achieved this figure in 124 matches — six fewer than Yamal. At the time, Messi averaged one goal or assist every 105 minutes, slightly better than Yamal’s current rate.
Another interesting detail is that Yamal has contributed more assists than goals across these 80 goal contributions, while Messi recorded 53 goals and just 27 assists, highlighting the different playing styles of the two stars.
However, one crucial factor is age: Messi was 21 years old when he reached 80 goals and assists, while Yamal is only 18, making the achievement even more impressive for the Spanish talent.
Messi himself has spoken highly of Yamal:
“There is a very good generation of young players with many years ahead of them. If I had to choose one player who reminds me of myself when I was young, without a doubt it would be Lamine Yamal.”
Yamal, who has made an immediate impact since breaking into Barcelona’s first team, appears to have a bright future ahead and continues to show the potential to become one of the club’s biggest stars.
