João Cancelo had played in a Barcelona team with Lamine Yamal before during his first stint on loan two years ago, but the teenager is a different beast now and Cancelo can clearly see the evolution.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Portuguese full-back was full of praise for Lamine, calling him the “most talented player in the world” and a true difference-maker ahead of Barça’s Champions League quarter-final tie with Atlético Madrid.
“Nothing else needs to be said. Lamine is the most
talented player in the world, or in the top three. It’s an honor to continue working with him and seeing him in training. He makes a difference, and it’s great to have him on our side.”
Cancelo has been a great complement to Yamal with his ability to offer a true threat on the opposite side of the pitch from Lamine, which gives the teenager more space to work his magic. 2026 has been a sensational year for Yamal, and there’s no doubt he will be Barça’s biggest hope to advance past Atlético and play in the European semi-finals for a second straight year.
