Known for his charisma and football knowledge, Cantona shared his views on Euro 2024 with The Athletic, highlighting Yamal’s standout performances.
Spain’s Yamal, who just turned 17, made his debut for Barcelona’s senior team in 2023. Since then, he has scored seven goals and provided ten assists in 51 appearances for the Catalan club.
Eric Cantona expressed his admiration for Yamal, saying:
“I love the way Spain play and it’s good to have this type of player because you never know what he’s (Lamine Yamal) going to do.
“He surprises everyone every time. He has great vision, great technique and makes the right decisions. I love him. Sometimes I watch a game just to watch a player.”
Manchester United boast a few young talents of their own including Alejandro Garnacho and Antony.
However, Cantona, when asked about his favourite player from Manchester United, couldn’t choose just one but highlighted Yamal’s unique impact: “They (United) have some good players, even some great ones. But there’s no one quite like Yamal.”
Cantona also shared advice for Yamal: “I would say they have to enjoy football, have passion for the game. And really love the game.
“The ball is a friend, and it’s so wonderful to have this relationship with the ball. The ball is not an enemy. Too many players feel that the ball is a kind of enemy.”
“But when you see Lamine Yamal, you really feel that the ball is his friend. Even a brother,” added the Frenchman.
Yamal’s talent shone at the 2024 European Championships, where he scored one goal and provided four assists, contributing to Spain’s victorious campaign.