Three days before their World Cup semi-final against Australia, South Africa were given a potential boost, as their captain Temba Bavuma took full part in an optional training session, at Eden Gardens, on Monday.Bavuma ran a couple of laps around the outfield, before doing some fitness drills under the watchful eye of the team physiotherapist Sizwe Hadebe and the strength and conditioning coach Runeshan Moodley. He then proceeded to do some shuttle runs, increasing the pace with each lap, and then moved to running drills as he moved forward and backwards. While Bavuma occasionally looked uncomfortable and bent over with his hand on his sides, he did not appear to be at any unease while running. The South Africa captain was seen with a bit of a strapping on his thigh.Later in the session, Bavuma padded up and shadow batted with a stump before having a lengthy conversation with coach Rob Walter. After watching Rassie van der Dussen for a while, Bavuma then padded up and went into a net, where he spent around 50 minutes batting. He even advanced down the track to hit a few balls.Related
'We didn't speak about it' – Steyn looks back at emotions after 2015 semi-final heartbreak
Starc: 'I'll drop off white-ball cricket before I let go of Test cricket'
“Temba’s right hamstring strain has shown good objective signs of improvement over the last 72 hours,” said a statement from the South African medical team. ” We will continuously assess his progress through the management plan over the next few days towards giving him the best chance to play on Thursday.” They also clarified that the work Bavuma was putting in on Monday was not for a fitness test but merely “part of the rehabilitation strategies of the recovery plan.”Bavuma had suffered a hamstring injury during South Africa’s league game against Afghanistan in Ahmedabad last week. He left the field after nine balls of the first innings, and returned four overs later but limped as he fielded – mostly at mid-off. He chased balls gingerly and hobbled as he jogged to talk to his bowlers but did not go off again, with his role as opening batter in mind. Had Bavuma spent significant time off the field, he would have only been allowed to bat after the same amount of time had elapsed or until at least five batters had been dismissed, which he did not want to do as he searches for form. To date, Bavuma has a top score of 35 at the tournament, and scored 23 against Afghanistan.CSA had said on Sunday that Bavuma had “shown an improvement” overnight, and that he had not been sent for scans, but did not give an official update on his current condition.If Bavuma is unable to play the semi-final, Aiden Markram is likely to captain South Africa – as he did when Bavuma missed the England and Bangladesh games with illness – while Reeza Hendricks could open the batting.
Aston Villa have one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after they beat Belgian giants Club Brugge 3-1 away from home in the first leg.
The Villans, who host the Pro League side in Birmingham for the second leg next week, secured the win thanks to goals from Leon Bailey and Marco Asensio, either side of an own goal from Brandon Mechele.
Unai Emery will be delighted that his side have a healthy advantage to take back to Villa Park as they look to secure their place in the last eight of the competition.
Things could have been different, however, if not for an unbelievable clearance from England international Tyrone Mings, who prevented Hans Vanaken from putting the hosts 2-1 up by diverting his header just past the post with an athletic intervention.
Whilst there were plenty of positives to take from the evening clash in Bruges, there were also some disappointing individual performances for the Premier League outfit.
One player who did not show the full extent of his quality at the top end of the pitch was Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford, who started on the left flank.
Marcus Rashford's performance against Club Brugge
Emery selected the England international ahead of the likes of Asensio and Jacob Ramsey to play as part of an attacking midfield three behind Ollie Watkins, alongside Morgan Rogers and Bailey.
Whilst Rogers forced the own goal from Mechele with a brilliant cross in the second half and Bailey opened the scoring with a sublime half-volleyed effort into the bottom corner, Rashford ended the game without any direct contribution to a goal for the Villans.
Chalkboard
The right-footed speedster was taken off in the 64th minute after a fairly uneventful showing on the wing, as Club Brugge right-back Kyriani Sabbe largely kept him quiet – winning five of his six duels and making four tackles.
Rashford did not create a single chance for his teammates in those 64 minutes on the pitch. However, he did create a chance for himself when he worked an opportunity on the right side of the pitch, making an underlapping run to fire an effort at Simon Mignolet from a tight angle.
Marcus Rashford
The 27-year-old forward also let himself down out of possession by losing four of his five duels and failing to make a single tackle or interception to help his side out defensively.
Whilst it is his natural position to play out on the left wing, it may be worthwhile for Emery to see how he fares as the lone centre-forward for the Villans before the end of the season.
Why Marcus Rashford should be used as a striker
Firstly, Rashford has the blistering pace that would allow him to make runs on the last line to create chances for himself against teams that play in a mid-to-high block.
The English forward has played 153 matches as a centre-forward in his club career for Villa and Manchester United combined, which shows that it is not a position that he is unfamiliar with.
As you can see in the clips above, Rashford has the quality to score brilliant goals at Premier League level from positions off the left or centrally, which suggests that he can comfortably play in either role.
The experienced forward’s career record as a striker, at club level, also suggests that the potential is there for it to be his best position on the pitch for the Villans.
Appearances
153
226
51
Goals
59
69
13
Assists
20
36
7
Goals + assists per game
0.52
0.46
0.39
As you can see in the table above, Rashford is at his most productive in front of goal when playing as a centre-forward, with 0.52 goals and assists combined per game on average throughout his career.
This is important to keep in mind because Ollie Watkins was even worse than Rashford in the win over Club Brugge and Emery should boldly drop him from the starting XI for this weekend’s clash with Brentford.
Why Ollie Watkins should be dropped
Villa left themselves with the former Bees man as their only recognised, natural, centre-forward when they sold Jhon Duran during the January transfer window.
However, they brought in the likes of Asensio, Donyell Malen, and Rashford, who can all play across the frontline, and Emery should utilise Rashford’s versatility to provide Watkins with a rest against Brentford – ahead of the second leg clash with Club Brugge next week.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their first goal withLeonBailey
Watkins put in a tired showing against the Belgian side on Tuesday night. The Villa star played 89 minutes without registering a shot on target, a key pass, or a completed dribble, whereas the Red Devils loanee at least managed a shot on target to test Mignolet and completed a dribble.
Rashford, at least, troubled the goalkeeper and tried to make things happen by dribbling at defenders in the final third, whilst his international teammate did little to cause the opposition any problems at all.
The ex-Brentford man was described as “world class” by journalist Jack Grimse last year and has scored 31 goals in the Premier League since the start of last season, but that does not make him immune to criticism or to the odd bad performance.
Watkins was handed a dismal player rating of 3/10, worse than Rashford’s 4/10, by the Express, who noted that he only had one shot on goal, and now could be the time for Emery to boldly drop him from the XI.
The 29-year-old forward lost seven of his eight duels in the game, as Club Brugge defenders dominated him in physical battles, and he has now gone four games without a goal – missing three ‘big chances’ in the process.
His poor display in Bruges, coupled with his wasteful form in front of goal of late, suggests that this could be the right time for Emery to take him out of the firing line for a game, both to provide Rashford with a chance to show what he can do as a striker as well as handing Watkins a much-needed rest.
Even better than Rogers: 8/10 star just saved his Aston Villa career
This Aston Villa star may have just saved his career at the club with this performance.
ByDan Emery Mar 5, 2025
This would, hopefully, allow the England international to return to the starting line-up against Club Brugge for the second leg with fresh legs and a desire to bounce back with a strong showing to secure the club’s place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
With just a couple of days left in the window, any Chelsea fans will be glad to see the back of the transfer market given the huge number of players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
The most prominent rumours have come in the attacking third, with boss Enzo Maresca evidently targeting reinforcements to his frontline to improve on their current Premier League standing.
However, despite the influx of potential options targeting this month, no deal is yet to be completed, potentially following in the same manner as the summer, in failing to secure a new centre-forward.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca
Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen, who were both targets during Maresca’s first window, have once again emerged as potential signings but the club are running out of time to secure moves for either player.
As a result, another former target has remerged on the radar, as the Blues look to finally land the top-quality talisman they have been searching for.
Chelsea eyeing late move for £84m talent
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are targeting a late move for Porto striker Samu Omorodion after his stellar form for the Portuguese giants.
The Spaniard was a real target for the Blues in the summer, rumoured to be included in a swap deal involving Conor Gallagher moving to Atlético Madrid as a result – but the move fell through, with the striker joining Porto instead.
The 20-year-old has since taken his career to the next level, scoring 18 times in just 25 appearances across all competitions, leading to more speculation of a move to West London.
Bailey’s report claims that Omorodion has a €100m (£84m) release clause in his current deal, but that he could be available for a cheaper sum should any side negotiate a deal for his services this month.
After missing out on his signature once, Maresca can’t afford to do so once again, with the Italian desperately needing to prioritise a move for the youngster over one other transfer target.
How Omorodion compares to Mathys Tel
Mathys Tel has been a player who has constantly been linked with a move to the Bridge in recent weeks, potentially receiving a boost in their pursuit over the last couple of days.
Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel
The Frenchman has been absent in each of the last three games for Bayern Munich, with boss Vincent Kompany leaving the 19-year-old on the bench in each of the outings.
It’s since been confirmed that he wants a move away from the Bundesliga giants before the closure of the transfer window, with Chelsea one of the main sides in the running for his signature.
Given his tender age, he could fit into the hierarchy’s philosophy of investing in youth for the long-term, but for the immediate future, they need to be plotting a move for Omorodion over Tel.
When comparing the pair on FBref, the Porto star has massively outperformed the Frenchman in 2024/25, highlighting what an important addition he would be to Maresca’s outfit.
How Omorodion compares to Tel in 2024/25 so far
Statistics (per 90)
Omorodion
Tel
Games played
15
8
Goals & assists
15
1
Shots on target
1.3
1.1
Shot-on-target accuracy
43%
30%
Touches in opposition box
5.9
5
Aerials won
1.7
0.4
Chances created
0.8
0.4
Stats via FBref
Omorodion, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered way more combined goals and assists, whilst also achieving a higher shot on target rate, subsequently highlighting his clinical nature in the final third.
He’s also won more aerial duels per 90, whilst also creating more chances per 90 for his teammates, offering that all-round focal point that the Blues have greatly missed in recent months.
Given the stats produced by the pair this season, it’s glaringly obvious who the better option would be in the closing stages of the month, with the Spaniard producing the goods to try and take the club back to their glory days.
An immediate option is needed to lead the side back towards the Champions League come the end of the season, with Tel arguably one for the future, but Omorodion could offer that ready-made talisman whilst also having the potential to improve given the fact he’s only 20.
Their next Hazard: Chelsea plotting late move for "dangerous" £30m star
Chelsea could make a statement signing that could see them sign a new version of Eden Hazard.
تحدث بيب جوارديولا، مدرب نادي مانشستر سيتي، عن توقعاته بشأن مسار موسم فريقه خلال الموسم المقبل 2025-2026، والذي سوف ينطلق خلال الفترة المقبلة.
مانشستر سيتي عاد إلى التدريبات من جديد وبحماس كبير استعدادًا للموسم المقبل، حيث يريد النادي الإنجليزي استعادة هيبته المفقودة بعد موسم صفري ومخيب للآمال.
اقرأ أيضًا .. مانشستر سيتي يعلن رحيل لاعبه في ميركاتو الصيف
جوارديولا أكد في تصريحات عبر موقع مانشستر سيتي الرسمي، أن تطلعاته تجاه موسم السيتيزن الجديد عالية، موضحًا أن فريقه سوف يبذل قصارى جهده خلال الموسم المقبل.
وقال جوارديولا: ”التوقعات في البداية دائمًا: لنبذل قصارى جهدنا، ونفوز بالمباريات الأولى، ونكتسب الثقة ونتقدم للأمام. كل موسم مشابه لما قبله، ولكن في الوقت نفسه، هو مجرد استمرار لما حققناه خلال العقد الماضي”.
وأضاف المدرب الإسباني: “بالطبع، نريد أن نكون أفضل من الموسم الماضي، وخاصةً الاستمرارية. في كل مرة نبدأ فيها الموسم، لا نفكر في عدد الإنجازات التي سنحققها. أسبوعًا بعد أسبوع، شهرًا بعد شهر، نحاول أن نكون أفضل ونطور أدائنا الكروي، لأن البداية دائمًا ما تكون صعبة”.
وأوضح جوارديولا: “لكن إذا كنا بنفس الروح والحماس الذي بدأنا به في كأس العالم للأندية، نأمل أن يكون جمهورنا فخورًا بنا”.
وأردف: ”لاعبو فريقي يعشقون لعب كرة القدم، لذا فهم متحمسون ويرغبون في التنافس فيما بينهم لتقديم أفضل ما لديهم فرديًا وجماعيًا”.
وتابع: “الإيجابية موجودة. أنا متأكد تمامًا من أنها ستكون جيدة، لكنه لن يكون موسمًا سهلًا، بل ستظل هناك دائمًا مشاكل، المهم هو كيفية التغلب على تلك المواقف”.
وقال: “أود أن أقول إن هذا النادي نضج في آخر 15 أو 20 عامًا، وهو الآن في صدارة كل بطولة نخوضها، فلنواصل ذلك”.
وأضاف: ”في النهاية، عندما يُظهر الجمهور روحًا عالية ويقاتل ويبذل قصارى جهده، وبعد أن يكون الخصوم دائمًا متورطين، أحيانًا يمكنك تقديم أفضل ما لديك، والخصوم ببساطة أفضل”.
وأتم جوارديولا: “الأمر يعتمد على أنفسنا، هذا ما يجب أن نحاول القيام به. نتحدى أنفسنا، هذا هو هدف الموسم”.
مانشستر سيتي سوف يلعب وديًا يوم السبت المقبل مع باليرمو استعدادًا للموسم الجديد، قبل بداية مشواره في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز بمواجهة وولفرهامبتون.
انتهت مباراة الزمالك أمام طلائع الجيش، التي جمعتهما على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي، منذ قليل، في إطار منافسات الدوري المصري.
حقق الزمالك فوزًا غاليًا على طلائع الجيش بثلاثية مقابل هدف، ضمن منافسات الأسبوع الثالث عشر من مسابقة الدوري المصري موسم 2025-2026.
طالع.. ترتيب هدافي الدوري المصري بعد ثنائية ناصر ماهر وهدف الدباغ أمام طلائع الجيش
ثلاثية الزمالك جاءت عن طريق ناصر ماهر، هدفين في الدقيقة السابعة والدقيقة 52، وعدي الدباغ في الدقيقة 61، بينما هدف طلائع الجيش جاء في الدقيقة 81 عن طريق محمد عاطف.
ورفع الزمالك رصيده إلى 22 نقطة في المركز الثاني بشكل مؤقت، بينما تجمد رصيد طلائع الجيش عند 10 نقاط في المركز الثامن عشر.
وقاد الزمالك، في مباراة اليوم أحمد عبد الرؤوف بعد توليه المسئولية الفنية عقب رحيل البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا بسبب تراجع النتائج. رجل مباراة الزمالك وطلائع الجيش
وحصل ناصر ماهر، لاعب الزمالك على جائزة رجل المباراة كأفضل لاعب في اللقاء بعد تسجيله هدفين.
LAFC star Denis Bouanga snubbed Harry Kane when naming the best striker in the world, but didn't hesitate to pick William Saliba as the best defender.
Saliba hailed as world's best defenderBouanga puts Mbappe top of striker listOpts for De Bruyne & Modric in midfield slotFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
In an exclusive interview with GOAL, Bouanga was asked to name the best player ever and the best player in the world right now in each of the four main roles on the pitch: striker, midfielder, defender and goalkeeper. The LAFC forward went for the Brazilian Ronaldo and Mbappe in the striker category, overlooking Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane. He then chose Zinedine Zidane as the best midfielder ever and split his vote between Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric for the best midfielder in the world right now slot.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Bouanga went on to name Paolo Maldini as the best defender ever, and picked Arsenal talisman Saliba as the best defender in the world right now without any hesitation. To complete his list in the goalkeeper category, the 30-year-old Gabon international opted for Dida and Manuel Neuer.
WATCH THE CLIPGetty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Saliba will be back in action for Arsenal when they face Manchester United in their blockbuster 2025-26 Premier League season opener on August 17. Bouanga, meanwhile, is gearing up for LAFC's next MLS outing against the New England Revolution the day before.
The Saudi Pro League is reportedly prepared to pay a record-smashing €350 million for Kylian Mbappe and hand him a Cristiano Ronaldo-esque contract.
Vinicius Jr was wanted in the Middle EastMarquee signings being sought in that regionFrench superstar has no interest in moveFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
World Cup winner Mbappe has emerged as a top target for teams in the Middle East after they failed to lure club colleague Vinicius Junior away from Santiago Bernabeu. It was claimed that a €300m (£259m/$348m) fee could change hands there, with a €1 billion (£863m/$1.2bn) contract being lined up.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
No deal was done for the Brazil international, but the Saudi Pro League remains in the market for “high-profile players that can elevate the league’s global image”. According to , a €350m (£302m/$406m) offer has been readied for Mbappe.
The France international would be handed terms that “match or come very close to Ronaldo”, with the five-time Ballon d’Or-winning Portuguese superstar working on a record-breaking deal at Al-Nassr.
DID YOU KNOW?
No sale will be sanctioned as Real Madrid consider their French ‘Galactico’, who has been handed the No.10 shirt in the Spanish capital, to be “absolutely untransferable” as their “biggest commercial and media asset”.
GettyTELL ME MORE
Mbappe has also “shown no inclination” that he wants to leave the Bernabeu. He is focused on “establishing his legacy among Europe’s elite” and believes his efforts to be in peak condition for the 2026 World Cup “would be compromised by a move to the Saudi league”.
Gazi Tyres and Partex earned promotion into next season’s DPL competition
Mohammad Isam13-May-2023Key takeawaysAbahani Limited clinched the Dhaka Premier League title for the 21st time and the fourth time since the tournament became a List-A competition. They beat defending champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by four wickets in a last-over finish at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in front of a crowd of at least one-thousand, and a full press box. It concluded Bangladesh’s domestic season with its most successful team returning to win the coveted trophy for the first time since the 2018-19 season.Abahani and Shiekh Jamal Club, coincidentally both from the Dhanmondi neighbourhood, went into this game on 26 points each after Abahani dropped crucial points in the penultimate round against Gazi Group Cricketers. If Abahani had beaten them on May 10, this game would have been just a formality. Abahani didn’t fall at the final hurdle, though, winning the title they first won in the 1974-75 season.Prime Bank Cricket Club took third position after their 73-run win against Gazi Group, while Legends of Rupganj finished the season with a four-wicket defeat against Mohammedan Sporting Club.Best battersAbahani’s Mohammad Naim struck two fifties in the last two matches, including a 145-run opening stand with Anamul Haque in the finale against Sheikh Jamal. Naim (932 runs) and Anamul (834 runs) finished as the top two run-getters in the tournament. Anamul’s three centuries were the most in the competition.Afif Hossain was adjudged player-of-the-match for his unbeaten 60 in the last game. He also finished the competition with a bit of a flourish, much needed for a man vying for a World Cup place. Among the young batters, Naim and Saif Hassan stood out with their runs while Amite Hasan and Tanzid Hasan struck hundreds each.Best bowlersSheikh Jamal’s overseas recruit Parvez Rasool was the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. He took 33 wickets with 17.93 average and two four-wicket hauls. Shinepukur Cricket Club’s left-arm spinner Hasan Murad was the highest wicket-taker among the home bowlers, taking 25 wickets at 18.40 average. His 3.97 runs per over was also remarkable. City Club’s Robiul Haque was the local fast bowler with most wickets, taking 23 wickets.Best matchAbahani beating Sheikh Jamal in the tournament finale stood out. Sheikh Jamal recovered from 16 for 3 in the fifth over, to take 79 runs in the last five overs to take their total to 282 for 7 in 50 overs. Nurul Hasan’s unbeaten 89 powered the Sheikh Jamal total, hitting eight fours and three sixes in his 70-ball stay.Abahani’s openers Naim and Anamul added 145 for the opening stand but the middle-order couldn’t immediately take advantage. But Afif added 68 runs for the fifth wicket with Mosaddek Hossain, before completing the win with a 14-run unbroken seventh-wicket stand with Tanzim Hasan Sakib who hit the winning boundary. Points to ponderApart from the six Super League clubs, Rupganj Tigers, Brothers Union, City Club and Shinepukur remained in the Dhaka Premier League for next season. From the league below, Gazi Tyres Cricket Academy and Partex Sporting Club earned promotion for next season’s DPL. Agrani Bank and Dhaka Leopards go down to the Dhaka First Division Cricket League.Players to watchAfif and Parvez Hossai Emon had a 100-plus strike-rate among batters to score more than 500 runs in this season. Mahmudullah’s pursuit for a World Cup spot got a bit of a boost with six fifties for Mohammedan. Afif too will be in the selectors’ mind. Anamul Haque and Naim have done enough to be considered as backup openers in the ODI setup.Among the younger bowlers, Robiul Haque, Tipu Sultan and Sumon Khan were among the wickets. Mrittunjoy Chowdhury did enough to earn an ODI spot, but Tanzim and Rejaur Rahman will also be in the bowling coach’s mind.
It looks as though Nottingham Forest are set to lose Anthony Elanga this summer, with Newcastle United submitting a new and improved £55m bid recently.
Forest rejected the first bid of £45m, but it remains to be seen whether this new one could seal the deal.
Elanga registered 18 goal contributions last term and should he leave, it would leave a major void to fill in the club’s attack.
Nuno Espírito Santo will be working tirelessly to bring in a replacement for the Swedish winger. And he could turn to Ligue 1 to do so.
Nottingham Forest already working on Elanga replacement
At the start of July, Fabrizio Romano claimed that Forest had agreed on a deal with French side Lyon to sign Malick Fofana this summer.
Lyon's Malick Fofana
Other clubs are sniffing around the talented forward, however, notably Chelsea, and this could perhaps impact his final decision.
Last season, the Belgian starlet scored 11 times for the Ligue 1 side, while also chipping in with six assists.
He shone in the Europa League, with eight of his goal involvements coming in that competition and considering Forest will be playing in Europe next term, he is exactly the type of player required for Santo.
Fofana is still raw, however, and there is no doubt there is plenty of development needed by the youngster to make it to the very top.
Could the City Ground outfit perhaps land an alternative to the Belgian maestro? Especially someone with plenty of Premier League experience.
Forest can land Yoane Wissa as an Elanga upgrade
Forest reportedly lodged a £22m bid for Yoane Wissa back in January and have now shown interest in signing the player this summer.
Indeed, it was reported last month that Forest were willing to bid again for the Brentford forward, with the Bees looking for a fee in the region of £34m.
Goals
19
Assists
4
Big chances created
3
Key passes per game
0.8
Shots per game
2.6
Successful dribbles per game
0.4
Hailed as “unbelievable” by former Brentford manager Thomas Frank, Wissa can operate either on the wing or up front, giving Santo plenty of options with the DR Congo international.
Last season for the Bees, he scored 20 goals and grabbed five assists, which trumps Elanga’s output by seven. For context, the aforementioned Fofana registered 11 goals and six assists in all competitions last term.
Furthermore, Wissa also registered more shots per 90 (2.77 vs 1.58), more total shots (90 vs 44), touches in the attacking penalty area (163 vs 110) and had a greater percentage success with take-ons (30.6% vs 30.1%) in the Premier League last season.
This proves that the Brentford star would be an upgrade on Elanga ahead of next season. Not only can he play either upfront or on the flanks, but his eye for goal is far greater than the Swedes.
If the reported fee of £34m is correct, there is no doubt Santo could land a bargain signing with Wissa. With bigger clubs circling around Fofana, it looks unlikely that he will move to the City Ground this summer.
A more realistic option is Wissa. Given his stats, he could even turn out to be even better for Forest than the young Belgian.
The next Murillo: Nottingham Forest lining up bid for £13m sensation
As Nuno Espírito Santo looks to bolster his Nottingham Forest backline, could they sign a “quality” centre-back who could be the next Murillo?
Former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto has heaped praise upon Lamine Yamal, saying there is no limit to the teenage star's potential.
Roberto praises Yamal after Como clashEx-Barca star says he will achieve 'great things'18-year-old gunning for the Ballon d'OrFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Roberto, 33, came up against the Ballon d'Or candidate on Sunday when his Como side lost 5-0 to the Catalan giants in the Joan Gamper Trophy, with Yamal scoring two goals against Cesc Fabregas' side. The midfielder was left stunned by Yamal's talent and his "incredible potential".
AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Ever since breaking into the senior team as a 16-year-old, Yamal has been regarded as one of the best talents in the world. At 17, he won the European Championship for Spain, and last term achieved the domestic treble at Barca. His talent and progression have garnered the praise of many, and Roberto is convinced he is fully worth the hype.
WHAT ROBERTO SAID
He told reporters: "Lamine's ceiling is whatever he sets for himself. He's doing very well and has incredible potential for his age. I encourage him to continue with the same dynamic, and I'm sure he'll do great things at this club."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR YAMAL AND BARCA?
Yamal's next game for Barcelona is on August 16, when they take on Mallorca in their La Liga opener.