At solely 18 years outdated, Lamine Yamal has already develop into the standout identify for each FC Barcelona and the Spanish nationwide workforce. The younger winger has began the season in spectacular kind, tallying two objectives and one help in his first three LaLiga matches. Now on worldwide responsibility, Yamal spoke to Spanish outlet RTVE about his objectives, challenges, and ambitions as Spain prepares for clashes in opposition to Bulgaria and Turkey.
Yamal didn’t draw back from talking about his final ambitions. “Profitable the Champions League with Barcelona could be unimaginable,” he stated. “Each participant desires to win the Ballon d’Or, and anybody who says in any other case is mendacity. To even be in that dialog at simply 18 years outdated is one thing to worth, and hopefully at some point it occurs.”
When requested who deserves the Ballon d’Or if not him, Yamal pointed to 2 acquainted names: “Neymar deserves one. Throughout his time at Barcelona and Paris, he ought to have gained it. And clearly Messi, as a result of he’s the most effective in historical past.”
Responding to Flick’s criticism
Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick publicly voiced his frustration after a 1-1 draw in opposition to Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas, criticizing the workforce’s efficiency. “We want extra depth, fewer errors, and fewer complacency. The ego might kill the success, we´ve to be a workforce. With the standard we now have, there aren’t any excuses. If we need to win titles, we now have to indicate it each match,” Flick stated.
Yamal responded with maturity: “It’s extra about not beginning with the identical depth we completed final season with than about egos within the locker room. We’ve taken seven factors out of 9 in powerful stadiums, however folks don’t discuss that. Flick is correct that we made errors, however that occurs. It’s not about egos—we simply have to get again to our degree.”
Staying grounded amid fame
Regardless of his speedy rise, Yamal acknowledged the challenges of being within the highlight. “Recently, there’s been extra discuss what I do off the sphere than on it. If I had been nonetheless at Mataró, no one would care about my celebration. However I don’t take note of that. I solely take heed to my circle—the individuals who actually know me. That’s what helps me keep targeted. You’ll by no means hear that Lamine is comfortable or unhappy due to what another person stated.”
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Is Barcelona too depending on Lamine Yamal? Coach Hansi Flick addresses concern after shut name vs. Rayo Vallecano
A united younger core at Barcelona
Yamal additionally highlighted the robust bond amongst Barça’s younger skills, mentioning Nico and Fermín particularly. “We’re a younger, united group. If anybody leaves, it’s their very own choice. No one right here desires to go. We even joke with Fermín about England, however he informed us he desires to remain.”
Huge objectives with Spain
His rise has additionally prolonged to the nationwide workforce, the place he turned one in every of Spain’s youngest-ever gamers. “I didn’t anticipate to affix the nationwide workforce so younger. However we now have a squad able to being world champions. All the pieces depends upon our focus.”
Yamal credited supervisor Luis de la Fuente for his assist: “I’m very grateful. He’s one of many individuals who has defended me most, with the proper phrases on the proper time. I’ll at all times be pleased about that.”
