Barcelona and Spain talent Lamine Yamal names Real Madrid rival as player who ‘defended’ him the best

Barcelona and Spain attacker Lamine Yamal has named Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy as the toughest opponent he has ever faced. Yamal is widely regarded as one of the best young talents in world football.

The Spaniard looks destined for great things and 2023-24 marked a breakout season for him in senior football. While Yamal made his senior debut for Barca in 2022-23, he became an integral part of the first team in the recently concluded season.

Yamal named Real Madrid's Mendy, whom he has faced in El Clasicos, as his toughest opponent, telling Radioestadio Noche (via Madrid Xtra on X):

"The full-back who defended me best is Mendy."

Lamine Yamal, 16, has become pivotal for both Barcelona and Spain. He scored seven goals and provided 10 assists in 50 appearances across competitions this past season for his club.

In many regards, Yamal is proving to be the player that many fans expected Ansu Fati to become.

Leny Yoro picks between Real Madrid's Arda Guler and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal

LOSC Lille's Leny Yoro has become one of the best young defenders in world football. Clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and more have reportedly shown interest in the defender.

Yoro was recently asked to pick between Arda Guler and Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal. Speaking on the same, Yoro said (via Yahoo Sports):

"I can't really compare. We haven't seen a lot of Arda Guler yet. He came back [from injury], he played great matches and scored. Lamine is also a great player."

Both Guler and Yamal have performed spectacularly at Euro 2024. Both youngsters have reached the Round of 16 with their respective countries, Turkey and Spain.

Spain will play Georgia in the Round of 16 while Turkey are set to play Austria in the last 16.