When it comes to exciting wide men, however, it’s hard to look past those elite dribblers who rouse crowds and make full-backs fret. Take Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, for example, who has completed 70 dribbles in La Liga this season and 22 in 12 Champions League outings.
The Brazilian is a big-game player, too, scoring twice against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium in the last 16 and grabbing another brace in the Madrid derby win over Atletico before the international break. Vinicius epitomises the Real ethos of springing to life when it matters.
But no-one comes anywhere near his counterpart on the other side of the Clasico divide when it comes to twinkled-toed, mazy runs.
Like Lionel Messi before him, Lamine Yamal has perfected the art of weaving in off the right flank, a hazy mirage of blaugrana turning defenders to stone, before a trademark left-foot finish.
Only the blonde tips and braces hint at the fact the Spaniard is only 18, a teenage phenomenon hoarding major trophies for club and country who has already played 170 senior games and scored more than 50 goals.
A groin problem stalled his start to the campaign but that has not stopped Lamine Yamal running at the opposition more than anyone else – he has dribbled 240 times in La Liga, 63 times more than his nearest challenge, Vinicius.
With 21 goals and 16 assists across all competitions, Lamine Yamal is rediscovering his phenomenal stride right in time for this summer’s World Cup.
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