Neymar Crowned Lamine Yamal ‘Best in the World’ as Barcelona Blaze Through First Ten Games
Neymar’s Instagram Tribute Sparks Global Talk
Brazilian superstar Neymar, now plying his trade at Santos, took to Instagram to single out Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as the "best in the world". The Brazilian legend posted a story that juxtaposed Yamal’s early‑season figures with his own record‑breaking 2017/18 campaign at Paris Saint‑Germain, then tagged the Spanish winger with the brief caption, “Best in the world”. Yamal promptly reshared the tribute, adding his own gratitude to the platform.
Statistical Showdown: Yamal vs. Neymar and Messi
According to a ranking that tracks average performance ratings across Europe’s top leagues since the 2015/16 season, Yamal sits second with an 8.61 rating after ten matches. Neymar tops the list with an 8.81 rating from his 27‑appearance, 25‑goal, 16‑assist spell for PSG in 2017/18. Lionel Messi completes the top five, featuring three times for his La Liga seasons (8.52 in 2018/19, 8.40 in 2017/18 and 8.39 in 2015/16).
Yamal’s Explosive Start
In just ten games across all competitions, the 17‑year‑old winger has found the net eight times and set up nine further goals, amassing 851 minutes on the pitch. Those numbers translate into an average of nearly a goal contribution per game, a feat rarely seen from a player of his age in a top‑flight league.
Raphinha’s Parallel Impact
Sharing the limelight is Brazilian forward Raphinha, who has already recorded 14 goals and three assists in eight appearances. Although he missed Barcelona’s most recent fixtures against Getafe and Galatasaray due to a thigh issue, his goal tally remains among the highest in Europe at this stage of the campaign.
Barcelona’s Historic Ten‑Match Winning Run
Yamal and Raphinha’s contributions have propelled the Blaugrana to a flawless start: ten consecutive victories, eight in La Liga and two in the Champions League. The side has scored 43 goals while conceding just nine. Statistician Mister Chip highlighted the rarity of such a start, noting that Barcelona have not opened a season with ten straight wins since the 1923‑24 campaign – a gap of 102 years.
Looking Ahead
The early success raises the question of sustainability. Hansi Flick’s side will need to manage Raphinha’s recovery and maintain Yamal’s momentum if they hope to extend the perfect run. Injuries, fatigue and the increasing quality of opposition in both domestic and European fixtures will test the depth and resilience of the squad.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Yamal’s 8‑goal, 9‑assist tally places him second in average rating charts since 2015/16.
- Neymar’s own rating of 8.81 from 2017/18 remains the benchmark.
- Messi appears three times in the top‑five ratings, underscoring the elite company Yamal now occupies.
- Barcelona’s ten‑match winning streak is a century‑old record for the club.
- Raphinha’s thigh problem could influence the team’s attacking firepower in the coming weeks.
With the season still in its infancy, the football world will be watching closely to see whether Yamal’s meteoric rise and Barcelona’s historic start can be sustained over the long haul.
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