“You have to help him because it is easy to deviate from the path” - Barcelona defender makes admission about Lamine Yamal
Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez has heaped praise on youngster Lamine Yamal and hopes he continues to grow in the same vein. He also believes that the football world needs to have patience with the young Spanish superstar.
Speaking in a recent interview (via Barca Universal), Martinez opened up on Yamal's impact in a short time. He believed teammates and others around him need to help him continue his growth. He said:
"We all know the potential he has, you have to go little by little with him. You have to help him because, in the world of soccer, it is easy to deviate from the path. He is a boy with a well-armed head, he knows what he wants, so full confidence with him, and well, let's hope he continues at this level."
On Barcelona and the club's aim this season, the defender said:
"This year we hope to win some titles. We are showing that we are very well and it is being seen that we know how to compete against any rival. Against Madrid, you pay for the smallest slip-up."
Barcelona have made an impressive start to the season and are currently on top of the LaLiga table. They face Sevilla and Real Madrid in two crucial league games this month and also have a UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich to deal with.
Barcelona legend heaped praise on Lamine Yamal
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta claimed earlier this month that Lamine Yamal was not a 'normal' talent. He urged the teenager's teammates to support and help him develop in a high-pressure job.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Iniesta said that Yamal was bound to improve every year and that it would work out well for Barcelona and Spain. He 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.
"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 announced his retirement from football earlier this month.