Lamine Yamal is clearly one of the biggest stars at FC Barcelona right now, having showcased his talents at the highest levels at only 16 years of age.
The youngster has been key for Xavi this season, and has also gotten the affection of Barcelona fans as he continues to shine whenever he steps on the pitch, defying opposition defenders vastly more experienced and proven than him.
Being one of the stars of the team, fans are eager to get to know the player more deeply, and the player responded to this desire as he embarked on an interview with Mundo Deportivo, in which he talked about the biggest influences in his career, and how his rapid growth has led to changes in his lifestyle.
Talking about Xavi’s announcement to leave the club, Yamal was clear that the team was playing more freely after that event: “Yes, I think we are more liberated, and the results are showing it, they are getting better. But I also think it was up to the team to make a turning point and start playing better.”
Still, he wanted Xavi to stay with the team, like the rest of his teammates:
“I would be delighted [if Xavi stays], to be honest. I would like to, really. I think at 16 years old, I can’t just go to the office now (laughs). No, but I believe he knows that we all want him to continue.”
Lamine Yamal named Neymar as one of his favorite players growing up, and also commented on how the Brazilian has influenced his game:
“Because it made me go watch the games, it made me have fun, it was a spectacle, it was nice to see him [Neymar] play. I think at the end of watching so much, sometimes it just comes out naturally, and then I think and say, ‘look, he used to do this.'”
In regards to passing, Yamal was clear that his ideal was Messi, but still admitted that reaching his very high standards would be very difficult:
“Trying to be like Messi in that aspect is difficult. But, well, yes, the player I remember who used to do those things was him, and if I can resemble him, then I will try.”
Yamal also commented on how he has grown physically during the last year and what changes he has made in his lifestyle to meet the requirements of professional football.
But his feelings for Xavi, Neymar, and Messi clearly show that he is a Culer through and through, and Barcelona fans will be hoping he can etch his name in the club’s history just as these players did in the past.
