Gabriel Jesus backs Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or

Jesus sees echoes of Neymar in Yamal

Barcelona striker Gabriel Jesus says Lamine Yamal reminds him of Neymar in some ways, while insisting that no player he has shared a pitch with compares to the Brazilian’s full range of ability.

“Neymar is the most virtuoso footballer I’ve ever played with; he could do everything with both feet. For me, he’s untouchable; nobody can compare to him,” Jesus said. He added that Yamal nevertheless shares some of Neymar’s qualities, particularly his dribbling and personality.

‘He’s a genius who improves every year’

Jesus praised the Barcelona winger’s maturity despite his age, saying Yamal “does things like a mature player, as if he were 30 years old.” He described him as “a genius who improves every year, who becomes more and more of a genius.”

Yamal has spoken about Neymar’s influence on him growing up, saying the Brazilian was a major part of his childhood. Jesus also tipped Yamal for the Ballon d’Or, although he acknowledged uncertainty over how the award weighs individual talent, performances and trophies.

“Lamine is the player I’ve enjoyed watching the most for years, and this year he’s won almost everything. For me, he’s the favorite.”

After starring for Spain during the international break, Yamal has returned to Barcelona and is expected to target another strong performance against Getafe on Saturday night.