Betting on youngsters is something FC Barcelona are quite renowned for given the historic relevance of Catalans and their prestigious youth academy. However, it is also important to be cautious when relying on youngsters and giving them adequate time and rest simultaneously.
Certain stars such as Pedri and Gavi came into a Barcelona side that lacked quality depth and thus were forced into a team that pushed them to their limits in their early seasons. While it seemed like an effective solution in the short term, it can also have adverse effects on their physical endurance in the long run.
As such, while being interviewed by SPOX and GOAL, Barcelona captain and German goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen gave words of advice for two upcoming young talents and the way they should be allowed to develop, as highlighted by Spanish outlet SPORT.
One of those two stars was 16-year-old German prodigy Noah Darvich, who joined Barca’s subsidiary side this very summer and is already leaving an impression within those ranks despite only having featured a few times and for quite less.
Yet, given his quality and his rapidly ascending projection, he has trained several times already with the first team under Xavi Hernandez and has also interacted with fellow German countrymen Ter Stegen and Ilkay Gundogan.
Speaking up regarding his current situation, even comparing it to Lamine Yamal, the 31-year-old German keeper stated:
“He has trained with the first team a few times, and I briefly spoke with him. Just like with Lamine, I hope that Noah is given the necessary time.”
Next, he was asked regarding Lamine Yamal, another 16-year-old talent who is taking Europe by storm due to his immense talent and mesmeric displays for both Barcelona and the Spanish National team. Ter Stegen commended his character and suggested that he ought to be given the time needed to reach his full potential:
“His carefree attitude is good for us. I hope he maintains it. He will have to work on his physical aspects, but he is only 16 years old. Off the field, Lamine is a calm type. We should give him the time to develop quietly. He has a bright future ahead of him.”
For now, both 16-year-olds are away for International duty with Germany and Spain respectively. Lamine Yamal has already featured for the senior men’s team with Spain, even managing to become their youngest-ever debutant as well as scorer against Georgia in their European qualifying match, and is now expected to start against Cyprus in Spain’s upcoming clash.
