By now, it has become routine for journalists to ask opposition managers ahead of FC Barcelona games what they think of Lamine Yamal and how they plan to stop the Spanish wonderkid on the day.
Such has been Lamine’s impact at the club, especially this season that most times, he looks unstoppable. Irrespective of the plans that the opposition might come up with for a game, the 17-year-old goes about his business in his own manner and almost always comes out on top.
Thus, it comes as no surprise when Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany was asked the same ahead of the marquee clash in the UEFA Champions League. As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, here is what he had to say:
“I don’t know, honestly, it’s exceptional for Barcelona that, after such a short time since Messi’s departure, who for many years was a key figure in world football, they already have another player who can replace him. It’s unique. All my respect for La Masia, which has always been able to trust these kinds of players and give them an opportunity.”
Kompany went on to say that the focus is not just stopping Lamine Yamal but the entire team, but he did agree that the teenager was ’impressive’. He continued:
“It’s not just about stopping specific opponents, but about winning the game against Barça. It’s not just about stopping one player, but the whole team, and that’s what we’re focused on. But Lamine Yamal is impressive.”
It was not just Lamine who had words of praise from Vincent Kompany. The Manchester City legend also had huge words for Pau Cubarsi, who is also the same age as Yamal. Hearing such praise from arguably one of the best center-backs of his generation would have made Cubarsi feel good.
The games against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are huge games for these youngsters at Barcelona. However, as they say, when you are younger, the fear of failure is so much lesser and the players will play with renewed freedom under Hansi Flick.
As for Lamine, despite being just 17, he is no stranger to the biggest stages of football. His performances in the Euros semifinals and finals are set to be talked about for a long time and that goal against France is still fresh in our memories.
If Lamine has a good game, Barcelona almost always end up on the winning side. Let’s hope the 17-year-old can take his legacy a further step with memorable performances against Bayern and Real Madrid. Only time will tell how it pans out.