FC Barcelona have been home to some of the most well-renowned and most sought-after talents in European football over the years, and continue to produce young stars of high quality and elite footballing standards even today.
Youngsters like Gavi, Ansu Fati, and Alejandro Balde are just some of the few examples of the elite youth talents that FC Barcelona has produced in recent times, as they have become absolutes under the leadership of Xavi Hernandez and a key part of this revolutionized Barcelona.
However, a new face has emerged from La Masia, one that is much younger with a higher projection than most around him. 16-year-old Lamine Yamal has taken the European scene by storm, as the young teenager continues to display his unique pedigree at his age under the bright spotlights of any stadium he plays in.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona plans to integrate the young star into the first team for the upcoming season and he will undoubtedly be among those traveling to Getafe to take part in Barca’s first official La Liga game of the season away from home.
However, despite the fact that he remains primarily involved with Rafa Marquez’s Barcelona Atletic side, the player is aware that he could become a key first-team figure following the unforeseen exit of French winger Ousmane Dembele, who Yamal could end up directly replacing in the team thanks to his style of play and quality on the wing.
His displays against both Arsenal and AC Milan were promising during the pre-season tour of the United States of America, but his display against Tottenham Hotspur in the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys for the Joan Gamper Trophy, in particular, was what caught the eyes of many, as he was instrumental in the 4-2 victory for Barcelona.
Following his introduction in the match, his team was already trailing 2-1, but during the 10 or so minutes, Barcelona managed to score three goals and ended up winning the clash with a scoreline of 4-2.
Even though the youngster did not actively score any of the three goals himself, he provided the assist for the first one and was the player to orchestrate the conclusion of the final two as well courtesy of his efficient and effective dribbling to break apart the structure of the opposition.
The player remains one to watch, and while many reminisce of Messi’s own Joan Gamper performance against Juventus in 2005, this 16-year-old Barcelona gem must be given the time and effort to flourish, something Xavi Hernandez has already come to understand.
