Thiago Alcantara hails Lamine Yamal as potential world‑best footballer

Former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, now part of the club’s coaching staff, said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast that Pedri is the best midfielder in the world, comparing him to club legend Andrés Iniesta. He highlighted Pedri’s movement, ball recoveries and tackling statistics that set him apart in Europe’s top leagues.

Alcantara also praised 18‑year‑old Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, stating that Yamal could become the best player globally. He recounted training against Yamal in small‑sided games, noting that Yamal’s presence often swayed the outcome in his team’s favor. Yamal’s performances for Spain at the World Cup, including a Man‑of‑the‑Match award against Austria, were cited as evidence of his growing importance to the national side.