According to reports, Souness praised Yamal’s performance in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan. Yamal scored Barcelona’s first goal and troubled Inter’s experienced defenders throughout the match, which ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Souness, in his column for the Daily Mail, commended Yamal’s maturity, particularly his calm and calculated decision-making in high-pressure moments—a trait that sets him apart from other players his age.

He wrote: “Watching Lamine Yamal play against Inter this week makes you think no 17-year-old should be this good. It’s not right! (I say this with irony.) But there’s no doubt we’re witnessing the rise of a truly special talent. He’s already played 100 games for the first team and won’t even turn 18 until July.”

“What’s astonishing, beyond his talent and physical ability, is his decision-making on the pitch. He makes choices you’d expect from a much more experienced player. He’s already surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at the same age. Additionally, the fact that he enjoys taking on tough responsibilities shows he’s a complete professional.”

While praising Yamal, Souness also made a sharp comparison with Jude Bellingham. He acknowledged Bellingham’s brilliant first season in Spain but expressed concern over his recent decline.

Souness wrote: “Watching Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid lately has been worrying. He had an incredible first season in Spain and looked like a superstar, but now, sadly, it seems he’s not listening to anyone anymore.

I hope I’m wrong, but this season has been disappointing, and some of Bellingham’s behavior—from arguing with referees to unnecessary confrontations—should be questioned. If someone is advising him, it seems the advice is wrong. And if he thinks these actions stem from passion, he’s mistaken. This is exactly what Yamal should avoid.”