Gerrard says sustained ambition will be key to Yamal matching Messi and Ronaldo
The former England captain believes Barcelona's 19-year-old is further along in his development than either player was at the same age.
Steven Gerrard says Lamine Yamal's ability to stay motivated over a long career will help determine whether he can match the achievements of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking on The Overlap Daily, the former Liverpool midfielder rated the Barcelona winger's development ahead of both players at 19.
Gerrard said Barcelona's coaches and those close to Yamal would have an important part in sustaining his appetite for trophies and individual awards. He cautioned that the teenager's early progress does not establish whether he can maintain comparable standards over many seasons.
Yamal has contributed 13 goals and 12 assists across 16 appearances in all competitions during the 2026-27 season. He plays mainly on the right wing for Hansi Flick's Barcelona, having made his first-team breakthrough in April 2023.
Gerrard also questioned whether Yamal might eventually need a central attacking position to approach Messi's and Ronaldo's scoring records. He raised that as a possible longer-term development, rather than a change Flick should make immediately.
