Gabriel Jesus has compared new Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal with Neymar, saying the teenage forward combines exceptional dribbling ability with a maturity well beyond his years.
Jesus has been impressed by Yamal during his first month in Catalonia after leaving Arsenal for a fresh challenge in LaLiga.
The Brazilian’s move came after he fell down the pecking order at Arsenal over the last 12 months. Having accepted an exit from the Premier League champions, Jesus is expected to be used as a rotation option in Hansi Flick’s attack.
He will compete for opportunities alongside Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, but it is the 19-year-old La Roja forward who has made the strongest impression on him.
“Neymar is the most virtuoso footballer I’ve ever played with,” Jesus said. “He could do everything with both feet. For me, he’s untouchable, nobody compares to him.
“But it’s true that Lamine Yamal has some of his qualities, like his dribbling and personality. He’s still very young, but he does things like a mature player, as if he were 30 years old.”
Jesus said Yamal continues to develop despite already operating at an exceptional level.
“He’s a genius who improves every year and becomes more and more of a genius,” he added.
Yamal has also emerged as Jesus’ leading choice in the Ballon d’Or debate, although the Barcelona forward admitted he was unsure what the award specifically rewards.
“I don’t like to talk about the Ballon d’Or, because I don’t know if they reward a player’s talent, their performance, or titles,” Jesus said.
“But Lamine Yamal is the player I’ve enjoyed watching the most for years.
“This year he’s won almost everything. So, for me, he’s the favourite.”