Lamine Yamal picked up the ball in his own half and managed to dribble past half the Alaves team Messi-esque move

Lamine Yamal’s incredible solo run against Alavés showcased a level of skill, composure, and confidence well beyond his years, drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi’s iconic dribbles. Let’s break down the move in a detailed, step-by-step analysis of how he managed to dribble past half of the Alavés team and why this moment is being hailed as “Messi-esque.”

1. Picking Up the Ball in His Own Half

The sequence began deep in Barcelona’s own half, with Alavés pressing aggressively. Barcelona was likely under pressure, attempting to transition from defense to attack. Yamal, positioned either on the right wing or a more central area, identified an opportunity to carry the ball forward himself rather than making a simple pass. This decision showed his awareness and confidence, traits commonly associated with world-class dribblers like Messi.

2. First Touch and Acceleration

As soon as he controlled the ball, Yamal used his first touch to set himself up for an explosive move forward. Instead of stopping to assess his options, he instantly pushed the ball ahead into space, signaling his intent to take on multiple defenders.

This quick decision-making is crucial in dribbling because it prevents the opposition from closing him down immediately. By maintaining momentum from the start, he put himself in an advantageous position to weave past the Alavés players.

3. Beating the First Defender

The first Alavés defender attempted to step up and challenge Yamal, but the young winger used his balance and close control to glide past him. This was likely achieved using a subtle body feint or a quick change of pace—common techniques that Messi often uses to beat an opponent in one-on-one situations.

Yamal’s ability to anticipate the defender’s movement and shift his body at the last moment ensured that he kept possession while evading the challenge.

4. Slaloming Past the Midfielders

After bypassing the first challenge, Yamal found himself confronted by multiple Alavés midfielders attempting to close him down. At this stage, most players would look to pass the ball, fearing the risk of losing possession. However, Yamal showcased remarkable composure, using a combination of quick footwork, close dribbling, and intelligent body positioning to glide past them.

Tight control: He kept the ball close to his feet, ensuring that even in tight spaces, he could adjust his movement instantly.

Low center of gravity: Similar to Messi, Yamal’s dribbling style benefits from his agility and balance, making it difficult for defenders to knock him off the ball.

Explosive bursts: Instead of maintaining a constant speed, he varied his tempo—slowing down to bait defenders in and then bursting past them with a sudden acceleration.

These techniques allowed him to navigate through the midfield, leaving Alavés players trailing in his wake.

5. Outpacing the Defenders

As Yamal progressed further up the pitch, the defensive line realized the danger and scrambled to stop him. At this point, he had already eliminated multiple Alavés players from the play, turning what started as a deep-lying possession into a dangerous attacking situation.

Facing the last line of defense, Yamal continued to demonstrate his dribbling brilliance:

He used quick touches to keep the ball under his control while running at high speed.

He cut inside or shifted direction unpredictably, making it difficult for defenders to anticipate his next move.

He shielded the ball smartly, ensuring that any defensive attempt to dispossess him would either result in a foul or leave an opening for a teammate.

At this moment, the Alavés defense was in complete disarray. Some defenders hesitated, unsure whether to commit, while others lunged in desperation, only to be left behind.

6. Final Phase – Creating a Goal-Scoring Opportunity

By the time Yamal reached the attacking third, he had successfully progressed the ball from deep within his own half into a highly dangerous area. Depending on how the play unfolded, he might have attempted one of the following:

1. A precise final pass – If a teammate was in a better position, Yamal might have slipped in a through ball, setting up a goal-scoring chance.

2. A direct shot – If space opened up, he could have taken a shot himself, looking to cap off the run with a spectacular finish.

3. A further dribble into the box – If defenders backed off, fearing his dribbling ability, he might have carried the ball even closer to goal before making his final move.

Regardless of the outcome, this solo effort demonstrated the kind of raw talent, technical ability, and fearless attitude that only the best players in history possess.

Comparison to Messi’s Iconic Dribbles

It’s no surprise that Yamal’s dribble is drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi. The sequence closely resembled some of Messi’s most famous solo runs, such as:

His goal against Getafe in 2007, where he picked up the ball in his own half and weaved past multiple defenders.

His mesmerizing dribble against Real Madrid in the 2011 Champions League semifinal.

His countless solo efforts in La Liga, where he effortlessly glided past defenders with similar grace and precision.

Yamal, like Messi, displayed:

Exceptional close control and balance.

Vision and composure under pressure.

Confidence to take on multiple players without hesitation.

A natural ability to manipulate defenders with body feints and quick touches.

Conclusion

Lamine Yamal’s dribble against Alavés wasn’t just a flashy moment; it was a statement of his immense talent and potential. At such a young age, he is already demonstrating qualities reminiscent of one of the greatest players of all time. This breathtaking run is likely to be one of many in his career, and if he continues to develop, he could become a generational talent, much like Messi himsel

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This was more than just a dribble—it was a glimpse into the future of football.