Eden Hazard has heaped praise on Lamine Yamal, saying the Barcelona teenager reminds him of himself when he started playing.
Hazard made the comments in an interview with MARCA, drawing a personal comparison between himself and Yamal.
What Hazard said about Yamal
Hazard believes Yamal is a special player, and if he continues to play with freedom and joy, he will deliver a big World Cup performance.
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid star said: “Lamine Yamal reminds me a little of when I started playing. I was about the same age, and everyone was putting big expectations on me,”
Why it matters for Eden Hazard
Hazard's comments come at a time when Yamal hasn't really performed at the World Cup, but has faced slight criticism, and has been eased back into action after a hamstring injury.
Hazard, who at his peak was one of the most exciting attackers in world football, also reflected on what he believes lies at the heart of the game: “That’s the essence of football: you have to enjoy it and make people dream,”
What comes next?
Yamal will have a chance to prove himself as Spain take on Belgium, Hazard's home country, in the quarterfinals, and Hazard will be watching with interest, having retired from football almost three years ago, at the age of 32.
The World Cup has been a muted one for Yamal so far, but he has shown positive signs in recent matches, putting up dangerous displays against Austria and Portugal.
And with Spain reaching the latter stages of the tournament, Yamal will be looking to make a bigger impact, and fulfill Hazard's prediction of a big World Cup performance.
So far, Yamal has been eased back into action, but as the tournament progresses, he will be expected to play a bigger role, and deliver on the expectations of fans and pundits alike.
The quarterfinal match between Spain and Belgium will be a crucial test for Yamal, and Hazard will be watching with interest, to see if the youngster can fulfill his potential, and make a name for himself on the biggest stage in football.