A sixteen-year-old boy with braces was once again the best player for Barcelona on Monday. Inhuman, is how coach Xavi describes the development of Lamine Yamal.
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Yamal scored the 1-0 after assists from Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gündogan.
'He was the main protagonist of this match,' AS wrote afterwards. 'He controlled the game and repeatedly tried to break Aramburu (his opponent, ed.), with varying success but always finding a solution, while instilling fear in the people of San Sebastián. And he scored a killer goal, keeping his eyes on Remiro's goal the whole time.'
That goal earned Yamal, sixteen years and 306 days old, a record. He is the first player in La Liga history to score five goals before his seventeenth birthday. Additionally, the winger has provided seven assists in the league this season.
"He is the chosen one," concluded Xavi in his press conference afterwards. "The fact that he is making a difference at sixteen says a lot about what kind of player he is. His growth this year has been inhuman. He has become stronger and faster. This is a player for the present and the future, one who will mark an era."
The sixteen-year-old boy remained modest with the Spanish press. "This was an important match to reclaim second place. This needs to be a week of nine points. My goal? I just had to make contact with the ball. Lewy and Gündogan made it possible."
Yamal's incredible performance has not only garnered praise from his coach and teammates but has also caught the attention of football fans and analysts worldwide. His ability to read the game, combined with his technical skills and composure under pressure, sets him apart as a unique talent. At such a young age, Yamal is already demonstrating qualities that many seasoned professionals strive for.
In addition to his goal-scoring prowess, Yamal's contributions to the team's overall play have been invaluable. His seven assists this season are a testament to his vision and unselfish play, consistently creating opportunities for his teammates. As he continues to develop, the expectations surrounding him will undoubtedly grow, but Yamal's level-headed approach and work ethic suggest he is more than capable of meeting these challenges.
Barcelona fans are eagerly watching his progress, hopeful that Yamal will continue to evolve into one of the club's all-time greats. With each game, he not only builds on his legacy but also inspires the next generation of footballers who look up to him. As Xavi pointed out, Yamal is a player for the present and the future, destined to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
