'He is a Beast of a Talent': Xavi on Barcelona Youngster Lamine Yamal's Potential

Life has totally changed for Lamine Yamal since 2023. He started it as one of many promising youngsters at La Masia, and he has ended it as one of the most talked-about teenage footballers on the planet.

The 16-year-old has put up dazzling performances for a Barcelona side that seems to be undergoing an identity crisis as of late.

Lamal became the youngest player to appear for Barcelona at the age of 15 years 9 months and 16 days, and won his first title with Barcelona on May 14, 2023. He also became the youngest starter for Barcelona on August 20, 2023.

The 2007-born academy graduate has already made 32 appearances for Barca this season in all competitions, scoring three goals and bagging five assists along the way, and there appears to be so much more to come.

Following the Blaugrana’s 3-1  win over Alaves on Saturday, Barcelona boss Xavi could not help but laud the youngster for his performance, emphasising the maturity Yamal displays at his tender age.

Xavi was full of praise for his Barcelona wonderkid and expounded on the youngster’s skillset and untapped potential in a presser.

“He is a beast of talent. At 16 years old. Very few appear in these conditions. How he works, how he fights, how he helps the side… Unless he gets the armband… he has already been a starter. He has no ceiling.

“I have made a specific plan with him. He makes a difference. We are facing something special. I highlight how he competes, he doesn’t get tired. He runs many kilometres at high intensity. He leaves the opponent. I am very happy. He has defensive humility,” exclaimed Xavi.

Xavi’s tactic of overloading central areas to secure possession, while creating one-on-one situations on the outside, plays to Yamal’s strengths. These assets include his dribbling (below), through balls and, as he has shown at youth level, finishing.

For now, it is enough to say that, at the age of 16, he has demonstrated a talent capable of enhancing both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.