Former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder says Yamal “still needs to show more” over a longer period of time
Claude Makelele has thrown his support behind Ousmane Dembele in this year’s Ballon d’Or race, favouring the Paris Saint-Germain forward over Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal.
The former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder believes Dembele’s decisive role in PSG’s quadruple-winning season gives him the edge over Yamal, despite the teenager’s extraordinary campaign for club and country.
Dembele has enjoyed a renaissance under Luis Enrique, thriving in a central attacking role after years spent primarily as a wide player. He registered 33 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions, playing a central part in PSG’s clean sweep of domestic honours and their first-ever Champions League triumph. Winning the Club World Cup with PSG could yet further bolster his case.
Speaking to Diario AS, Makelele said: “Dembele deserves it. Lamine still needs to prove himself over a longer period of time. Ousmane started earlier.
“The young one Lamine still needs to show more. Let him be, he’s a kid, he’s a talent. Don’t beat him up.”
Yamal was one of the standout players in Europe last season. The 17-year-old winger scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists in all competitions, playing a central role in Barcelona’s La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa victories. He also helped Spain reach the UEFA Nations League final, although they ultimately fell before Portugal.
