Before Barcelona's 3-0 Champions League win over Aston Villa at Camp Nou, Steven Gerrard praised winger Lamine Yamal on TNT Sports. Yamal then scored in the victory.
Gerrard's view on Yamal
Assessing the youngster's rapid rise ahead of kick-off, Gerrard said: "We're talking about a megastar. He is a freak of a player, the numbers that he's getting at the moment - goals and assists - are beyond belief, scary really. Just to be in the stadium tonight to watch him up close and personal, I'm sure it'll be a pleasure."
Gerrard said: "We talk about superstars in England who are 16, 17, 18 and have played handful of games. He's the same age and he's got numbers that are beyond belief, he's already in the conversation for Ballon d'Ors. He's still a teenager, which is a scary thing really."
Gerrard said: "These players come around every so often - Messi, Ronaldo - and I know I'm not saying this too soon, he's going to be spoken about like them in a decade's time."
GOAL described Yamal as a 19-year-old Spain international and said he has 13 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this season. GOAL also said Yamal finished third behind runner-up Kylian Mbappe and 2026 Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane.
Tunnel meeting before kick-off
GOAL said Yamal greeted Gerrard with a warm embrace in the tunnel before kick-off. GOAL said Gerrard also caught up with Barcelona wide man Anthony Gordon in the tunnel before kick-off.
Gerrard and Cole on Gordon
GOAL said Gordon joined Barcelona from Newcastle United and has contributed two goals and five assists in La Liga.
Gerrard added: "Anthony's a learner, he's someone who wants to grow and evolve."
Gerrard added: "He wants to become a world-class player himself. The potential's there, we've seen it for club and country now. He was fantastic in England, I think Newcastle under Eddie Howe did wonderful things for him. Now it's about him kicking on and going to the next level."
Gerrard added: "I think the coaching at Barcelona - and Thomas Tuchel as well - has taken him to the next level. What a place for him to be. Playing for Barcelona at a fantastic age in his peak years, playing for England, and producing for both. He's living the dream."
Fellow pundit Joe Cole added: "He looks like he's shining. I've always loved Anthony Gordon from the days watching him at Everton. He's got such personality, the way he plays. He's a confident lad, a fighter, a warrior."
Cole said: "He looks like he's having the time of his life, and being grateful is a real skill to have, not just in football but in life. He's living every footballer's dream, going to play for Barcelona. Look at the players he's playing with."
Cole said: "He's a credit to himself, and a credit to his family and his city as well. It's brilliant. I love watching him play."
