The FC Barcelona attack underwent a significant change during the last summer transfer window. New players like Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, and Gabriel Jesus were brought in, while others like Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres left the club.
Another important departure from the Blaugranes’ forward line was that of Marcus Rashford, who played for Barcelona on loan for the last season, but the Catalans did not exercise his purchase clause, and he left to rejoin Manchester United last summer.
However, the Englishman took away some unforgettable memories and experiences from his loan stint. One of these was playing with Lamine Yamal, [who ended up second in this year’s Ballon d’Or race](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/it-will-come-barcelona-star-yamal-sends-defiant-message-after-ballon-dor-disappointment/).
As [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20261105/1004247753/confesion-rashford-sobre-lamine-yamal.html) has reported, Rashford talked to some fans at Old Trafford and talked about his impressions of the young winger during his time at Barcelona:
**“Before I left Barça, I told Lamine Yamal that I had played alongside some very talented players, but that he was above all of them.”**
**“I have never seen a player of his age with so much talent. He is as close as anyone can get to Messi’s level over the years.”**
**“I have a lot of faith in this young man’s talent. If he goes on to win seven Ballon d’Or awards, I won’t be surprised. He has finished second, third and eighth. And at what age? 19?”**
The Manchester United forward also expressed his belief that Yamal was the player most likely to reach Messi’s level:
**“He is an incredible player. We will probably never see another player in our lifetime with the complete genius of Leo.”**
However, Rashford still believed that Harry Kane deserved to win this year’s Ballon d’Or:
**“He scored a ridiculous number of goals this year and provided a ridiculous number of assists. I sent him a text the other day and told him he deserved it.”**
Although said informally, these words reflect how Marcus Rashford feels about his former teammate at Barcelona, Lamine Yamal. With the way the youngster has played so far, it would really not be a surprise if he ended up winning a Ballon d’Or in the near future, and hopefully, he will also lead Barcelona to some trophies in the mean time.