<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/">Lamine Yamal</a>’s rise at Barcelona has often been framed as the beginning of an era. To many, the comparisons to Lionel Messi feel inevitable; to others, the teenager’s poise makes him a future heir to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>’s longevity. But Premier League great Louis Saha&nbsp;has injected a sobering note into the global conversation, insisting that amid the excitement, there is a dangerous pathway that could pull the youngster off course. His startling observation includes&nbsp;Neymar, and it comes packaged with a nine-word parallel that Saha believes soccer should take seriously.



In a season where&nbsp;Lamine Yamal&nbsp;continues to be the face of Barcelona’s rebuild, and as&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;Cristiano Ronaldo&nbsp;near the final chapters of their historic careers, Saha has stepped into the debate with a perspective formed both by experience and caution. The Frenchman did not mince his words when asked about Yamal’s potential to reach the heights of Messi. “Can Yamal reach Messi’s level and even surpass him? That would certainly be great for him, but I don’t believe it,”&nbsp;he said in an interview, via Goal.



According to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/Louis-Saha/">Saha</a>, talent is not what Yamal lacks. The issue lies elsewhere, in something other greats had in suffocating abundance: an all-consuming dedication to the craft. “Yamal has talent, but I don’t see the passion for football in him like Cristiano Ronaldo had. These guys were completely dedicated to football.” This notion of&nbsp;obsession—a word often used to describe Ronaldo’s relentless decades-long pursuit of excellence, and Messi’s total devotion to the game—serves as Saha’s benchmark. He fears Yamal may be drifting toward a different trajectory, one he feels soccer has seen before.



It is in this moment that the ex-Manchester United star argued that external noise, fame, and lifestyle distractions can overwhelm a prodigy if they’re not prepared. His sharpest comparison was pointed: “Some distractions are already around Yamal… I fear he might stray off the path, just like Neymar.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251129_WST_607057_He-should-have-won-five-Ballons-dOrs-Neymar-selected-as-legends-GOAT-instead-of-Lionel-Messi-or-Cristiano-Ronaldo-1-1200x675_10708dff.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-540416" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Neymar Jr, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo</figcaption></figure>



Only later does Saha unveil the full nine-word parallel tying&nbsp;Yamal,&nbsp;Messi,&nbsp;Ronaldo, and&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/neymar/">Neymar</a>&nbsp;together: “You will find him dragged away from the game.” According to the former striker, this is precisely the danger that derailed the Brazilian’s ascent into the pantheon alongside Messi and Ronaldo. Neymar’s raw ability, he insists, was “maybe even better” than Yamal’s—and arguably close to the two icons—but lifestyle choices and external influence tugged him in conflicting directions.


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<h2>The Neymar example – Soccer’s great ‘what if’</h2>



Few players in modern history have carried the level of expectation Neymar once shouldered. Saha believes that Neymar had everything:&nbsp;“For me, maybe better quality.”&nbsp;But that quality was not enough to resist what he describes as a vortex of fame, pressure, and misplaced priorities. “Sometimes the management is not easy… you can find yourself dragged into something not useful to your game.”



The inference is clear: without the unshakeable obsession of Messi and Ronaldo, even world-beating potential can fade. And with Yamal now becoming a global superstar before even turning 19, Saha sees dangerous similarities.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251129_WST_607057_Neymar-Barcelona-1200x675_ab152319.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-557416" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Neymar at Barcelona</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The Yamal debate: Obsession vs. distraction</h2>



Yamal has already achieved moments of brilliance: a Ballon d’Or runner-up finish, decisive contributions in La Liga, and historical milestones for club and country. Yet the noise surrounding him has grown just as quickly. The winger’s&nbsp;18th birthday celebration controversy, his occasional outbursts on social media, and the headlines that followed him long after matches have fueled the 47-year-old’s worry.


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“Talent could be wasted because we are starting to see too many things in the papers about him.” Saha believes that staying at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a> is essential: “For the sake of the soccer we love… we want him to develop in Barcelona and be stable.” A premature mega-transfer, he warned—referencing Neymar’s move to Paris—could destabilize the youngster.

Premier League great Louis Saha makes startling nine-word parallel between Lamine Yamal on one side, and Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on the other, with stark Neymar warning

Premier League great Louis Saha makes startling nine-word parallel between Lamine Yamal on one side, and Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on the other, with stark Neymar warning - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

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It’s been one of the worst kept secrets in English football, but it’s official now that Jermaine Beckford has completed his free transfer to Everton. Leeds had cancelled his contract on Friday which is an unusual step. Regardless of the fact a player has agreed to join another club, clubs usually keep the registration until the very last day of the contract. Often this runs until June 30th but both parties seemed to agree to part the ways earlier than required.
Questions are liable to raised in regards to Beckford’s abilities, as he’s jumped 2 divisions after firing the goals that helped return Leeds United to the Championship. Yet taking a risk on such a player who has scored 85 goals in the last 3 seasons for Leeds is hardly risky. There’s no fee involved and the wages that Everton will be paying him will be more than he earned at Leeds but nowhere near the top end of Premiership players.  <a href="http:\/\/view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=jermaine beckford&amp;iid=8738471" target="_blank"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="http:\/\/view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=jermaine beckford&amp;iid=8738471" target="_blank"><img loading="lazy" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20100531_WST_20296_Football__Leeds_2619.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=312" border="0" alt="Football - Leeds United v Bristol Rovers Coca" width="500" height="312"></a></figure></div>
Beckford’s star has certainly been rising over the last few years, he struggled at Leeds after joing the club from Wealdstone in 2006, but he’s quickly become one of the most feared strikers in England outside of the Premiership. His goal at Old Trafford certainly gave him column inches world wide and made sure that people outside of the U.K. became aware of his potential. By joining Everton, he’s at a club that will give him the support and guidance he’ll need.
Moyes has been searching for more striking talent to back up his current crop of attacking options. No-one doubts the abilities of Louis Saha and Ayegbeni Yakubu but both are not getting younger. Saha has developed a reputation of being injury prone but has managed 68 appearances for Everton in the two years he’s been on Merseyside. Yakubu, for all his early promise at Portsmouth has found goals hard to come by since he joined up with the Toffees.
<a href="http:\/\/view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=david moyes&amp;iid=8432255" target="_blank"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="http:\/\/view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=david moyes&amp;iid=8432255" target="_blank"><img loading="lazy" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20100531_WST_20296_Football__Everton_60fd.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=309" border="0" alt="Football - Everton v West Ham United Barclays Premier League" width="500" height="309"></a></figure></div>
I’ve always thought troubled Everton for the last few years is the lack of depth in the striking department. They would usually have two first choice strikers, but then the back up would fall away. Victor Anichebe has struggled for goals when he’s had the opportunity of being giving a chance for Everton and James Vaughan seemingly suffers from a rotating knee injury that have blighted his early promise. Both have simply had some bad luck.
One thing Beckford will bring to the club is pace, he is lightening fast and he gives the striking options more weight. Moyes will be delighted to have captured him in face of some healthy competition and it increases the clubs options. As I mentioned earlier, people will point to his lack of Premiership experience, but sometimes you’ve got to take a risk on players. Some will relish the opportunities that will come their way and of course it will take time for Beckford to settle in to the top flight, but that’s only natural. <a href="http:\/\/view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=louis saha&amp;iid=8331154" target="_blank"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="http:\/\/view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=louis saha&amp;iid=8331154" target="_blank"><img loading="lazy" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20100531_WST_20296_Manchester_City_vs_6638.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=253" border="0" alt="Manchester City vs Everton" width="500" height="253"></a></figure></div>
Everton will be hoping to avoid another slow start to the season which derailed an excellent campaign from being even better. Surely they’ll get the breaks they need next season and with one or two additional signings, they’ll be back up there again. No doubt, they’ll be also hoping to avoid a repeat of the Joleon Lescott transfer saga and strengthen a side that can consistently push into the Europa Cup qualifying places.
How do you think Beckford will do? Leave me your comments and you can find me on twitter at http:\/\/www.twitter.com/paulbestall

Everton Hope For More Luck With Jermaine Beckford - World Soccer Talk

Everton Hope For More Luck With Jermaine Beckford

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Tottenham Hotspur isn’t one of the most fashionable clubs in the English Premier League, but judging by the amount of “jump out of your seat” incidents in the second half, maybe it’s time to start paying more attention to the boys from White Hart Lane even though they failed to capitalize on a golden chance to get all three points and leapfrog Arsenal into third place.
In a thoroughly entertaining second half, Tottenham were leading 2-0 but succumbed to a 2-2 draw after Louis Saha and Tim Cahill scored two crucial goals to tie the game. Then late on in injury time Wilson Palacios was knocked to the ground by Tony Hibbert in the penalty area which resulted in a penalty for the Lilywhites.
Jermain Defoe walked up and struck his penalty straight down the middle of the goal and was saved by American goalkeeper Tim Howard. In a joyful moment for American viewers, Howard’s reaction was an adrenalin fueled high as he showed in just a few seconds how vital he is to Everton’s Premier League season and how much the Merseyside club means to him.
Other highlights of this game included a wonderful bicycle kick by Saha which skimmed just past the post.
While Tottenham supporters will feel a great loss at not securing all three points, the game showed how much quality the Tottenham side has as well as how well they’re coping with difficult away trips to places such as Goodison Park and Villa Park, where they played last week. After watching last week’s match between Villa and Spurs, I was surprised that no one commented about that game or posted an article. Tottenham looked very dangerous and did well to come back after going down 1-0 against a difficult to beat Villa side.
I saw that same enthusiasm and team spirit in Tottenham’s game today. As long as they keep on playing like that, they’ll have plenty more chances to challenge for third or fourth spot in the Premier League.
And as for Everton, we saw the grit and determination and a little bit of luck that was needed to secure a draw, which hopefully will give the Toffees the confidence boost they need to begin climbing up the Premier League table again instead of staring down into the relegation zone.

Everton 2-2 Tottenham: Howard Penalty Save Rescues Toffees - World Soccer Talk

Everton 2-2 Tottenham: Howard Penalty Save Rescues Toffees

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Everton’s Pienaar launched the ball into the box from the left side. Chelsea’s Mikel got his head to it but could not clear. Fellaini headed the ball back into the danger area where Louis Saha waited, unmarked, uncontended. He spins into the volley to catch it perfectly with his left foot, catapulting the ball past keeper Petr Cech. It was brilliant. It was beautiful. It was 25 seconds into the match. The fastest goal in the history of the FA Cup final.
But Saha should have saved it for later.
Scoring so early fired Chelsea up and switched them on. Particularly Lampard and Malouda. And despite Everton’s consistent and brilliant defending throughout the many remaining minutes, going down a goal caused the London side to take big chances and convert them. Sure, scoring right out of the gate gave Everton boundless confidence and the belief they could win. But it also unleashed Chelsea. An unstoppable force.
Scoring 25 seconds from the final whistle. Now, that would have been perfect. If Everton defended like they did without the lead. Chelsea wouldn’t have the same fire lit beneath them. It might have stayed nil-nil until Saha whipped in a stoppage time winner. At worst it’s one-nil down and he delivers them into extra-time.
I said this while watching the match in a pub in Massachusetts. A friend responded with, “Everton have to take these goals when they can get them.”
She was right. These moments cannot be planned. When John Terry leaves you with an acre of space in the box and Fellaini makes that juicy assist, what choice do you have but to fire the ball home?
But look at the way Chelsea won. The equalizer came down to horrible Everton defending (probably their only truly bad spell) showing they’d lost some focus after the early goal. They left Malouda wide open on the wing with plenty of space to gobble up the ball and send in a fine cross. And then nobody was on Drogba as he sailed in for the header. And Chelsea’s other two decisive shots were completely audacious. Lampard turned a defender in traffic, stumbled and then fired it home from distance. We know he likes to shoot from range, but I don’t think he would have taken his chances as he struggled to find balance if Saha and Everton hadn’t been so good at keeping Chelsea from feeling in control. Chelsea were desparate to make their mark on a very tight match.
Even after the equalizer, they didn’t really look comfortable as they struggled to mount convincing attacks.
Another brash shot came from Malouda who fired from 30 yards on 79 minutes. The ball bounced off the bar and eventually spun out for Tim Howard to track and collect. But replays showed the ball clearly landed over the line before coming back out. Again, though, maybe Malouda doesn’t take such a chance if Chelsea weren’t put into high-tension mode from Saha’s early goal.
This is all pure conjecture. I know. But Everton defended so brilliantly for most of regulation time! Everton stripped Chelsea of the ball again and again. They diffused and deflated Chelsea attacks repeatedly and consistently. Chelsea only had one other shot on goal other than the three that went in. Apart from allowing Malouda’s cross, Everton contained their opponents well while searching for another break like the one in the first half-minute.
Maybe without that goal, Everton remain focused and don’t let Malouda cross or Drogba connect. Maybe without that goal, Chelsea keep it pragmatic. Lampard passes the ball after stumbling rather than blasting. Malouda tries to run it in rather than fire from range. Who knows.
What I do know is in the opening seconds, Everton sneaked past a sleeping giant. Then woke it up with one of the loudest goals in FA Cup history. It was a visceral explosion of football beauty. But the punishment was severe.
Still, a good show, Everton. Pity there was no reward for such a fine outing.

The FA Cup's Fastest Goal Came Too Soon - World Soccer Talk

The FA Cup's Fastest Goal Came Too Soon

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The number of days that Wigan striker Amr Zaki will be a Wigan Athletic player are numbered. Even when the Egyptian ends his loan spell and becomes a Wigan player, it’s only a matter of time before a massive club signs one of the brightest, most talented players the Premier League has seen in years.
The more I watch Zaki, the more he impresses. He’s scored six goals this season, but it’s not just his ability to score that has caught my attention.

Zaki uses his upper body strength well to ensure that he’s not knocked off the ball. He likes the physical element and isn’t afraid to go into a tackle 50/50 to try to win the ball. Other strikers in the Premier League would be brushed aside, but Zaki makes his presence known by trying to win every ball.
One of the most important attributes of a Premier League striker is attitude. Zaki doesn’t get involved in verbal arguments with referees or opposition players. Instead he seems humble and has a good head on his shoulders deciding to let his football do the talking.
His football skills are brilliant, too. Not only his ability to knock the ball into the back of the net, but also his positioning in and around the goal area, and his ability to control the ball. A perfect example was in the closing minutes of yesterday’s impressive 2-1 win against Manchester City when Zaki received the ball and had two Man City defenders to beat. He was able to bring the ball down and shake off two City defenders and then take a shot on goal that would have gone in if it wasn’t for City goalkeeper Joe Hart who tipped the ball over the crossbar.
Zaki also showed his coolness under pressure yesterday when he took the penalty that was the deciding factor in the game. On his goalline, Joe Hart was screaming all sorts of things at Zaki to through off his concentration, but Zaki stepped up and slotted the ball into the back of the net.
With Zaki, Wigan has a born hero and natural striker who will continue to set the Premier League on fire. He reminds of a fit Louis Saha when he was at Fulham when the Craven Cottage team beat Manchester United, and it was only weeks later when Man United bought Saha to prevent a lesser team like Fulham embarrassing United again. At that time, Saha was a revelation who was on top of his form and able to score wonderful goals from the tightest of angles.
As long as Zaki stays with Wigan, the Latics are going to continue being a force to reckon with. Zaki is that good, and Wigan – as a result – will have one of their brightest seasons since they entered the Premier League in 2005/2006.

Amr Zaki: Walking In A Wigan Wonderland - World Soccer Talk

Amr Zaki: Walking In A Wigan Wonderland

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The FA Cup's Fastest Goal Came Too Soon

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