19 - Lamine Yamal

[MonteCuler]

No player in the history of this sport was this good at 17, not debatable at this point

"This good" being average performance level relative to the level of opponents and consistency

That includes Pele of course

Pele's world cup campaign was amazing but it doesn't top delivering a ballon d'or level season being full time starter at the biggest club football level, just after winning the Euros also being a starter and one of the most important players

 

[Gazzznigga]

I said similar level. Pele was a star at the WC at 17.

But Yamal plays in a much tougher era.

Guy, stop this!!

Which era do you think players were more protected and cared for? 1958 or 2024??

 

[Gazzznigga]

No player in the history of this sport was this good at 17, not debatable at this point

"This good" being average performance level relative to the level of opponents and consistency

That includes Pele of course

Pele's world cup campaign was amazing but it doesn't top delivering a ballon d'or level season being full time starter at the biggest club football level, just after winning the Euros also being a starter and one of the most important players

😆 🤣 😂.... you guys are beginning to sound like the "make it great again" peeps.

Read what you wrote again when sober. I am sure you would want to delete after.

Pele became a starter for Santos at 15 in the era where attacking players were more like an endagered and hunted species.

In 1958, Santos was relatively bigger than Barcelona in terms of both continental and league successes. Read history, bro.

This is typical of the the saying "When people dont know their history, they are bound to repeat a lot of silly mistakes"

When Yamal wins the World Cup at 17(not a regional competion like the Euro), we can begin to have a debate. Until then, Pele had a more illustrious impact at 17.

 

[Temptation]

No player in the history of this sport was this good at 17, not debatable at this point

"This good" being average performance level relative to the level of opponents and consistency

That includes Pele of course

Pele's world cup campaign was amazing but it doesn't top delivering a ballon d'or level season being full time starter at the biggest club football level, just after winning the Euros also being a starter and one of the most important players

Can't accept that. You and me haven't seen Pele play week in week out at 17.

Back then Brazilian league was pretty great apparently.

We should leave Pele out of this.

 

[MonteCuler]

Can't accept that. You and me haven't seen Pele play week in week out at 17.

Back then Brazilian league was pretty great apparently.

We should leave Pele out of this.

It was great because it had great footballers of the time. Football quality, as we all know, is nowhere near the level of modern football.

This is not downplaying Pele. But huge difference between doing it week in week out for Barcelona in 2025 and doing it for Santos back when football was in the founding phase.

 

[MonteCuler]

😆 🤣 😂.... you guys are beginning to sound like the "make it great again" peeps.

Read what you wrote again when sober. I am sure you would want to delete after.

Pele became a starter for Santos at 15. In 1958, Santos was bigher than Barcelona in y
terms of both continental and league successes. Read history, bro.

This is tyoical of the the saying "When people dont know their history, they are bound to repeat a lot of silly mistakes"

When Yamal wins the World Cup at 17(not a regional competion like the Euro), we can begin to have a debate. Until then, Pele had a more illustrious impact at 17.

Knowledge of football history also involves knowledge of football evolution. Football level at that time was very low compared to the era Yamal is playing at.

 

[Temptation]

It was great because it had great footballers of the time. Football quality, as we all know, is nowhere near the level of modern football.

This is not downplaying Pele. But huge difference between doing it week in week out for Barcelona in 2025 and doing it for Santos back when football was in the founding phase.

If Pele had access to modern pitches, technology, training and facilities, whose to say he wouldn't be even better than Yamal in today's era?

 

[jaype]

Seriously, imagine comparing tactics of that era to current. I'd would've liked to see Pele play against parked buses. That's why comparing players from different eras is a little pointless. Post Pele there probably hasn't been a 17 year old as good as Lamine.

Not going to play the if this if that game. Pele and Lamine at 17 most likely clear everybody else.

 

[mc_lovin]

If Pele had access to modern pitches, technology, training and facilities, whose to say he wouldn't be even better than Yamal in today's era?

How about dropping Yamal in Pele's era?

 

[Temptation]

How about dropping Yamal in Pele's era?

Yeah. How about it?

Remember refs didn't protect players nearly as much as they do now?

Maradona used to get kicked all game.

 

[MonteCuler]

If Pele had access to modern pitches, technology, training and facilities, whose to say he wouldn't be even better than Yamal in today's era?

He probably would. I'm not arguing Yamal is more talented than Pele lol, never said it

Just that Yamal is more accomplished than him or any other footballer at the age of 17. And even though Pele is the closest with his WC campaign the level of opponents is harder in Yamal's time.

 

[Gnidrologist]

Refs might not be as strict on harsh tackles, but the era of Peles first WC was also era of reverse christmas tree formations, where it was normal for teams to put 4-6 attackers at the same time and overwhelm defenses that were not great mildly speaking. So it was a very pro-attack era too with virtually no pressing, no double/triple teaming, constant tactical fouls and other shenanigans. I watched quite a few full matches from those old world cups and some club competitions and it was mostly like looking in slow-mo mode. Those 58'-62' world cup games look like exhibition matches compared to todays frantic speeds and athleticism. Also Peles teams were absolutely stacked with all time legendary players it wasn't like he had to drag them along like Mardona in some instances.

That being said, obviously the era swapping is moot point. Noone knows how individual players would perform, if swapped condition. But it's definitely not controversial to say that Lamine could contest Pele in terms of talent and influence on the game at given age. Pele would probably be better scorer in any era and Yamal better playmaker and arguably dribbler. Lifting Spain NT of current day to win against likes of Italy, Germany and England is definitely harder then thrive in team that consisted of Garrincha, Vava, Zagallo, Didi and also very solid defensive line, while playing against Sweden and stuff.

 

[Gazzznigga]

Knowledge of football history also involves knowledge of football evolution. Football level at that time was very low compared to the era Yamal is playing at.
[/QUOTE

It is a natural thing, for generations to think previous ones had it easy and uncomplicated while the older generations think things were tougher and much more

He probably would. I'm not arguing Yamal is more talented than Pele lol, never said it

Just that Yamal is more accomplished than him or any other footballer at the age of 17. And even though Pele is the closest with his WC campaign the level of opponents is harder in Yamal's time.

Lol.....you clearly dont know what you are talking about.

Pele winning the world cup and conquering the wolrd at 17 is inferior in achievement to Yamal winning a regional competiotin like the Euro?

I have seen ot all here.

 

[Catta]

Small margins. With a little more luck, this could have been the game to win him the BdOr

 

[BBZ8800]

Kid totally lost his head after El classico

Not sure if true, but I have read his quote: this year, no matter how much we are losing, we will win in the end.

I knew we are dead after that quote

He turned into Neymar vol2 since then.
Ballhogging, showboating, not passing to anyone, playing hero balls all the time.

And btw, he killed us with a shot to the post in the 93rd minute at 3:2.
We had five players in the attack.
Instead of time wasting, he goes for a shot.

30 seconds later, it's 3:3

Thank you, Neymar vol2