Lamine Yamal’s rise to prominence for club and country this season has surprised Barcelona’s new director of football, Deco.
During the international break, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to play for, score for, and start for Spain. On Friday, he scored against Georgia after coming off the bench, and then played for an hour against Cyprus on Tuesday.
In August, he also became the youngest player to start for Barça in LaLiga, having made his first team debut in April while still only 15 years old.
“He is a player that has surprised us,” Deco said on Wednesday in a news conference. “[Barça coach] Xavi has always said [about him] and that is why he handed him his debut last season.
“Lamine Yamal is a kid with his feet on the ground. He has a different quality [to others]; he can contribute different things.
🤯 16 years old.
Lamine Yamal is the real deal… #EQskills | @HisenseSports pic.twitter.com/G0QAeY7ACB
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) September 12, 2023
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“We are in a situation at the club where we have a lot of young players in the team playing important roles, but he’s a boy of just 16, so we have to leave him to enjoy his football.
“We have to support him to ensure he keeps growing in the right manner.”
Deco, who was speaking at his official presentation in his new role, also confirmed Barça hope to announce a new contract for Yamal soon as a reward for his performances.
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