The Montjuic stadium vibrated this Wednesday evening to the rhythm of a semi-final go to the spectacular Champions League between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan, concluded on a breath of breath (3-3). A match illuminated by the talent of a player: Lamine Yamal. The young Barcelona winger brought hell to life in the Italian defense, crowning his performance of an anthology goal after a crazy slalom. However, at the end of the meeting, the French inter -striker Marcus Thuram, also scorer of an inspired heel, made remarks to say the least surprising and provocative at the microphone of
Canal+ with regard to the Spanish phenomenon.
During the match, Thuram nevertheless seemed to be suffering from Yamal's pure talent. He even confided that he had slipped to his teammate Dimarco, often exceeded: “It is normal for him to pass. It's Lamine Yamal. There is nothing to do. You have to take a take at 11 to stop it. »» A tribute supported by the elimination capacity of the Spanish. But questioned afterwards to find out if Yamal was the best player in the world, Thuram's response was radically different and tinged with chauvinism : “But he's not the best player in the world. The best player is French. »» He will even specify his personal classification: Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé in front, Lamine Yamal only third.
Thuram's risky provocation of Thuram towards Yamal: beware of the back of the stick!
This media outing is all the more “Culottée”as some would say, that Lamine Yamal was the most dazzling player on the lawn. His goal will remain in the memories: from his left wing, he eliminated two or three integrated defenders before transplanting in the axis and wrapping a perfect left strike which left the Pomstois goalkeeper. World class action that has obviously impressed other great players. Witness the reaction of Erling Haaland, who followed the distance match and posted an admiring story: “This guy is inherently” (“This guy is incredible”). An opinion which contrasts strongly with the classification established by Thuram.
Even Haaland is bluffed by Yamal, but Thuram the snobbone
How to interpret Marcus Thuram's declaration? Is it a simple Chauvin reflex to highlight his compatriots and teammates in the French team, Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé? Possible. Especially since if Dembélé is, with Yamal, one of the big favorites for the Ballon d'Or this year, the presence of Mbappé on the world podium seems more questionable after the early elimination of Real Madrid in the Champions League. Would Thuram simply seek to flatter its tricolor partners, even if it means denying the evidence of Yamal's performance?
If Thuram's intention may be to prick Yamal's pride or play a media game, it would be well to be wary. Provoking the young Barcelona prodigy can be dangerous. Adrien Rabiot had had the bitter experience in the semi-final of Euro 2024: after having somewhat changed the Spanish before the match, he had seen Yamal replied on the field by a goal and a high-flying performance. By “heating” Lamine Yamal before the decisive return match in San Siro next week, Marcus Thuram may take the risk of undergoing a scathing flame return.
