Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has raised eyebrows by omitting Cameroonian legend Samuel Eto'o from his all-time Barcelona best XI, despite the African striker's pivotal role in the club's history.
The 17-year-old winger, who has been making headlines with his exceptional performances, revealed his dream team through a post on Barcelona's official X handle on Saturday.
For his attacking trio, Yamal selected Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi, and Neymar, forming the famous 'MSN' combination that dominated European football between 2014 and 2017.
The Spanish international opted for a midfield quartet comprising Ronaldinho, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, and Andrés Iniesta – the engine room that powered Barcelona's tiki-taka era under Pep Guardiola.
In defense, Yamal chose Gerard Piqué, Carles Puyol, and Javier Mascherano, with Víctor Valdés selected as his goalkeeper.
The omission of Eto'o is particularly notable given the striker's instrumental role in Barcelona's success during his time at the club from 2004 to 2009. The Cameroonian forward scored 130 goals in 199 appearances and was crucial in Barcelona's Champions League victories in 2006 and 2009.
Yamal himself has been outstanding since his promotion to Barcelona's first team. The youngster helped Hansi Flick's side secure both the LaLiga and Copa del Rey titles last season, cementing his status as one of football's brightest prospects.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, with the winger now considered a strong contender for this year's Ballon d'Or despite his young age.
The teenager's selection offers an interesting glimpse into how the current generation of players view Barcelona's rich history, with a clear preference for the club's golden era under Guardiola and Luis Enrique.
Stay updated with the latest sports news by following BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
