Steven Gerrard names one Liverpool player who was better than Lamine Yamal at 18

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has had a say in the Yamal debate, after the 18-year-old received high plaudits as one of the best teenagers the sport has seen. 

Before his 18th birthday, Lamine Yamal has earned comparison to football greats like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with many fans and pundits claiming the exploits of the Spanish sensation has exceeded those of iconic football stars.

Yamal has won the European Championship with Spain, the La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, and is in the conversation as one of the frontrunners to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

A midfield maestro during his playing days, Gerrard won every trophy possible with Liverpool, excluding the English Premier League and is in a good postion to give his opinion after playing with some great talents in his active years.

Gerrard said Owen’s Ballon d’Or win back in 2001, at the age of 22 when he ascended to the pinnacle of world football sets him apart from the likes of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. 

“The other two are chasing the Ballon d’Or, and one’s got one (Owen).

"So, I think you have to respect the fact that Michael Owen has been voted the best player in the world. I played with him. He was an incredible teenager.

"I’d have to say Michael Owen [was better at 18]. But what I would say is Mbappe and Lamine Yamal – wow, they’re going to be two incredible players," Gerrard said.

Michael Owen made his debut as a 17-year-old in 1996 for Liverpool. He won back-to-back Premier League topscorer award in 97/98 and 98/99 seasons. Before turning 20 in 1999, the Englishman topped the chart for most goals scored by a teenager in the Premier League, netting 40 in 79 matches.

The now 45-year-old won the Premier League (with Manchester United), FA Cup (Liverpool), and 3 League Cups (2 with Liverpool, 1 with Manchester United).

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is in the conversation with Ousame Dembele in the running to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or award. The event is scheduled for September 22 in Paris, France.