There is a lot of commotion and excitement at FC Barcelona in regards to the years to come. That is because, despite their financial mess, the Catalan club continues to produce and develop some of the sport’s finest young talents. It is on the basis of these young talents that Barcelona continues to thrive even today.
Lamine Yamal, for instance, is the poster boy that Barcelona want to count on for years to come. His story is already one that defies coincidence, and especially since his viral pictures with Lionel Messi when he was a mere child have been uncovered, it seems as if it is almost destiny that awaits the Barcelona pearl.
However, with every good thing in life must come balance. Both Yamal and the Spanish National team look in complete harmony at the moment, and a certain Barcelona legend seems to agree with that.
While talking to SPORT, Barcelona icon and Spanish legend Andres Iniesta talked about the youngster’s irruption and his relevance for both club and country:
“It doesn’t fall within normal parameters or normalcy because, as you said, he’s 16 years old and has already had significant impact this year at Barça and in the national team. We encourage him to keep it up; from the outside, you can see a very united group in the national team that conveys very good feelings…”
However, for someone like Iniesta who has seen many talented players around him develop and give a lot to Barcelona, Yamal’s talent is also something that must be ‘taken advantage of’:
“These are exceptional situations, not how we understand the norm or processes. But in the end, the talent he has, and what he does, are obviously situations that need to be taken advantage of.”
“I also believe that within the environment of each team or national team or the coaches he has, you always have to keep an eye on that progression and on how to help him grow over time…”
While the words for Yamal have been nothing but praise and advice, Iniesta made sure to direct similar things towards the injured Pedri as well.
Currently overcoming an unfortunate injury that he suffered at the hands of Toni Kroos, one that the German star even apologized for, Pedri received some motivational words from one of his Barcelona idols:
“What happens is that when these things happen, I suppose for you and for him, living day to day, it seems like there’s never a tomorrow, that a situation like this will last forever. All footballers go through moments of injuries in their careers.”
“In the end, the important thing is that he learns from the things that work well for him, which will make him improve, and he will continue on his path. He is doing it with the national team and with Barça. He remains a fundamental player and a reference point, I have no doubt.”
Iniesta himself is currently representing UAE-based Club Emirates, and it has been quite some time since he last represented FC Barcelona. One of the most decorated players in the club’s history, he is also etched into the history books of his country.
Part of the golden Spanish dynasty that won two consecutive European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Barcelona legend remains engraved in the history of the sport.