Former Barcelona and Real Madrid winger Luis Figo has expressed admiration for Lamine Yamal’s outstanding attacking qualities, joking that he might have been required to change flanks if they had played together.

According to a report by Barca Universal on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the former Portugal international discussed the Barcelona teenager’s style of play and explained why defenders often struggle to contain attackers with his level of skill and creativity.

Yamal has become one of Barcelona’s most influential attacking players under manager Hansi Flick. His exceptional dribbling, confidence in one-on-one situations and ability to create opportunities have established him as a major threat from the right wing.

Figo, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2000, was asked about the possibility of sharing a team with the youngster. Rather than suggesting that Yamal would have needed to change positions, the Portuguese legend humorously indicated that he would have moved to the opposite side to accommodate him.

“If we had played together, maybe I would have had to play on the left and switch positions,” Figo said, as quoted by SPORT.

The former winger also examined the tactical difficulties involved in defending against players who frequently threaten opponents through individual skill and movement.

Figo observed that traditional man-to-man marking has become less common in modern football. He explained that assigning a defender to follow a dangerous attacker everywhere on the pitch could disrupt the team's defensive structure and leave spaces for other opponents to exploit.

“I think you see less and less man-to-man marking on the field these days,” he explained.

He suggested that defenders should concentrate on opponents entering their designated areas rather than attempting to track a particular player throughout the match.

“Logically, you mark the player who most often comes into your zone—in this case, the left back.

“Trying to mark him man-to-man all over the field would be crazy,” the former Barcelona winger added.

His explanation highlights the problems Yamal can create for opposing teams. The teenager’s ability to beat defenders, move into dangerous positions and manufacture opportunities makes it difficult for opponents to contain him through conventional defensive assignments.

Figo also took the opportunity to reflect humorously on his own abilities during his playing career. He recalled the technical quality, acceleration and physical strength that helped establish him as one of the outstanding right-sided attackers of his generation.

“I had incredible talent, didn't I?” he remarked.

The Portuguese enjoyed a distinguished career at several major European clubs, most notably Barcelona and Real Madrid. His individual achievements included winning the 2000 Ballon d’Or, recognition that followed a highly successful period at the highest level of the game.

His latest remarks represent further recognition of Yamal’s growing reputation among established figures in football. Although the pair belong to different generations, Figo’s comments suggest that he appreciates the youngster’s exceptional ability and the tactical problems his presence creates for opposition defences.

Yamal continues to develop into a central figure in Barcelona’s attacking plans, attracting admiration for qualities that have already made him one of the most closely watched young players in European football.