'The chosen one' - Barcelona boss Xavi in awe of 'brutal' Yamal

Tom Weber

Updated: 14 May 2024 11:04 BST
3 min read

Lamine Yamal once again stole the show for Barcelona against Real Sociedad.

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The 16-year-old wonderkid netted the opener as Barcelona beat Erreala 2-0, taking his record for the season to seven goals and nine assists in all competitions.

Like many before him, the youngster has often been compared to Lionel Messi by virtue of his left-footedness, creativity and position out on the wing, but it seems that Yamal really could go on to become as effective as the Argentine megastar.

The teenager is already a huge difference-maker in senior football at just 16 and the only major concern about him - and it really is a major one - is Barcelona's track record of burning out young talent. In recent years, the likes of Pedri and Ansu Fati have been overused at a young age to the point where they now seemingly can't stay fit.

Xavi has at times tried to manage Lamine's minutes this season but such has been his effectiveness in a fairly disappointing Barcelona team that it is difficult for the coach to do without his prodigy.

'The chosen one'

Indeed, speaking after the win over Real Sociedad, Xavi admitted that Yamal has to be a regular starter because he is, quite simply, a difference-maker for Barcelona despite his youth.

"Being a first-year youth player, he still needs to improve his decision-making and at a tactical level. But he is the chosen one. That he is a difference-maker at 16 years old is brutal. In one year he has become stronger, faster. We are looking at a very special player."

Yamal is not just starring for Barcelona at just 16 but also for Spain. The youngster will be one to watch at Euro 2024 and beyond. Barcelona really could have the next Lionel Messi on their hands.