Lamine Yamal inspires the football world: Now a youngster of the same age is speaking out who wants to outshine Hansi Flick’s superstar in a direct duel.
Red Star Belgrade has its back to the wall in the Champions League. Zero points after three matchdays – and now FC Barcelona, who currently seem overpowering, are coming to the Serbian capital.
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But Andrija Maksimovic approaches Wednesday’s duel without fear. What’s more: The teenager made an announcement before the game that caused a stir far beyond the borders of his homeland.
The 17-year-old wants to compete with Lamine Yamal. And even overshadow perhaps the most gifted footballer in Spain. “He is a great player, we have met in the past and tomorrow I will go on the pitch and show that I am better than him,” said Maksimovic.
Better than Yamal? The “little Messi” of Belgrade
The young national player is at home in the attacking midfield and is often referred to as the “little Messi” of Belgrade. The Argentine is also his big idol.
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This season, Maksimovic has six goals and six assists in 16 games. However, he has not yet been able to collect a scorer point in the Champions League. He has already played in a U17 international match against Yamal, who has six goals and eight assists after 15 games. The two top talents each scored a goal.
Even though he sees himself at an advantage in the duel with the Barca jewel, Maksimovic has great respect for Yamal: “I hope we can swap jerseys after the game.”
