It is no secret that FC Barcelona have been home to some of the very best youth talent in the world. The Catalan giants have produced many great talents over the last few decades, and many of those have gone on to etch their names in the history books. Now, it seems like there may be a new name to add to that list.
16-year-old Lamine Yamal has been an absolute sensation for FC Barcelona this season. A product of the academy, his meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed by those around him, including his seniors.
Barcelona head coach, Xavi Hernandez, is among those who have been surprised with both the quality and maturity of the youngster. Singing praises of the player and portraying his own bewilderment following Yamal’s man-of-the-match performance against Villarreal, the manager stated:
“His age surprises me, like everyone else. I’m not an exception. In the end, you think: but he’s only 16 years old.”
He commended his decision-making as well, saying:
“Of course, Lamine surprises me, like he does to everyone else. His best quality is his decision-making, it’s almost always correct.”
Now, as highlighted by Spanish outlet SPORT, it could be argued that Yamal’s progression may even possibly put him above certain other stars in the hierarchy of the wingers at FC Barcelona. A great hint of this may come in the shape of who Xavi ends up giving the start to in Barca’s next game against Osasuna at El Sadar.
The direct competition for Yamal will come in the form of 26-year-old Brazilian winger Raphinha, who had previously been suspended for the last two games due to a suspension he picked up in the very first clash of the official season against Getafe.
Since then, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal has done brilliantly for Barcelona in his absence to ensure the team continues to compete well. However, with the Brazilian’s return now set to be made against Osasuna, it will be interesting to see if Xavi decides to continue having faith in Yamal or if he will bring back the 26-year-old into the starting lineup.
On the topic of his decision to continue trusting the youngster following the last game against Villarreal, Xavi provided insight into exactly why the 16-year-old has become so important for Barcelona:
“He (Lamine Yamal) is a starter not because of the coach’s whim, but because we see him capable of making a difference. He is a player who makes a difference. That’s the most crucial thing in a football player. And Lamine Yamal’s decision-making is almost always correct and good.”
