“I haven’t seen a player like him at his age" - LaLiga defender hails Barcelona star Lamine Yamal
Sevilla defender Adria Pedrosa has lavished praise on Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal, explaining how to deal with prodigies like the La Masia graduate. The Catalan giants will face Sevilla in their next LaLiga game at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday, October 20.
At 15, Yamal became the youngest player to ever play a league match for Barcelona when he was brought on against Real Betis on April 29, 2023. Since then, the Spaniard has registered 12 goals and 14 assists in 62 games for the club.
This season, Yamal has been in scintillating form for the Catalans, registering five goals and as many assists in 11 club games across competitions. He was also instrumental in Spain's Euro 2024 glory. The Spaniard registered four assists and scored a crucial goal (21') in a 2-1 win against France in the semi-finals.
Talking about Yamal's influence on the pitch, Sevilla's Adria Pedrosa claimed that he had never seen a player like Yamal at his age. He said (via Barca Universal):
“I haven’t seen a player like him at his age, so decisive.”
The 26-year-old also discussed how to deal with prodigal talents like Yamal, opining:
“You don’t have to be obsessed with this type of player, just stay focused for the whole game. Don’t put more pressure on yourself than you already have. I’ve faced other great players and I deal with it naturally.”
However, Lamine Yamal is expected to miss Barcelona's clash against Sevilla. He picked up a hamstring injury during the October international break with La Roja.
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta comments on the meteoric rise of Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal's exponential rise has taken the footballing world by storm. Ever since his debut, many pundits and fans have earmarked the Spaniard as the next best thing in football.
In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta broke his silence on Lamine Yamal. According to Iniesta, what the youngster is doing at his age is not normal. The 40-year-old said (via GOAL):
"It’s not normal as we think of normality. What he’s doing so far is not normal. The challenge is that the environment and what accompanies him guide him to that evolution. He’s 17 years old, he has his whole career ahead of him and what he must do is continue enjoying that joy and the freedom of playing in the school playground."
However, Andres Iniesta had a word of caution for Yamal, adding:
"Therefore, everything around him must accompany him so that his growth continues every year. Every year he will have to improve himself and that is the demand that he will have at Barca and in the national team and that at the same time is not easy."
Iniesta and Lamine Yamal were both La Masia graduates before being promoted to the senior side. Iniesta played a total of 674 games in Blaugrana colors, winning four UEFA Champions Leagues and nine LaLigas, among other honors. He was also part of one of this generation's legendary midfield trios with Xavi, and Sergio Busquets.