Goals are not only scored, they are also created. In Barcelona's 4-0 win over Athletic Club, Lamine Yamal's name did not appear among the scorers, but it did in the assists column. He contributed to the creation of two, both for the benefit of Ferran Torres. One of them has led to him being compared to Leo Messi again.

In recent months there has been much talk that he has similar, if not identical, conditions to those of the world soccer genius. That perception continues. Now it is a former German player who finds similar traits in the level of each one that lead him to conclude that the Spaniard is a clone of 'La Pulga'.

Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Germany and Aston Villa midfielder, was amazed by a move by Yamal that ended in the net by Torres. That brushstroke was enough to detect in him an exceptional talent that makes a difference from the rest.

The assist to Ferran Torres with the outside of his left foot. This pass from Lamine Yamal is special, on another level. The pass is already impressive, but to get rid of the defender, turn and deliver the ball with the right rhythm to be able to split the defenders and measure the timing correctly

Thomas Hitzlsperger, German former footballer

Hitzlsperger goes further. He is so fascinated by the wisdom, movements and timing of Yamal that he claims to see Messi in the Spanish boy.

This is Leo Messi. The way he moves through the midfield, the pass, everything is perfect, honestly. I love watching this boy play

Thomas Hitzlsperger, German former footballer

The 4-0 win against Athletic put Torres in the spotlight for scoring a brace. But football people like Hitzlsperger did not miss Lamine's performance as a playmaker. The German, like many others, paid attention to what precedes the goal: the creation. His observation ends in recognition for a player who reminds him of Messi.

Jordi Alba, a detractor of comparisons with Leo

Recently, the Inter Miami player gave an interview to El Larguero. There he expressed his dissatisfaction with the current comparisons between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. For the Spaniard, it is a futile exercise that goes nowhere. To make his position on the subject clear, he was very blunt in saying that the Argentine is unique and that there is no one like him.

Comparing Lamine with Leo... there is no possible comparison. Leo Messi has no rival in my opinion

Jordi Alba to El Larguero