Lamine Yamal is new the kid on the block at Barcelona, and already got fans revelling after his latest performance.
The Catalan giants secured a 4-3 comeback win over Villarreal on Sunday, but it was the dazzling display of Yamal that got fans talking.
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It did not take long for the 16-year-old to make an instant impact at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
The Mataro-born wonderkid provided an assist for Gavi to open the scoring on 12 minutes, before later hitting the post twice.
In doing so, it made him the youngest player this century to provide an assist in the Spanish top flight.
Despite goals from Gavi and Frenkie de Jong, Barca were 3-2 down at one stage, before Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski sealed the comeback.
Though it was the man of the match performance from Yamal, which stole the show in Andalusia.
The youngster had previously been making the headlines, after breaking the record becoming LaLiga’s youngest starter in a century after his bow in the 2-0 victory against Cadiz last week.
“I think he’s so mature and can already make the difference for us,” Barca head coach Xavi told reporters after the match.
“We have to take care of him, but I think he’s ready and I’m not afraid to trust youth.”
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Following his display in the victory over Villarreal, Xavi again took the opportunity to laud his rising star.
“My expectations [for Yamal] are very high,” Xavi said.
“He’s a starter not because of the coach’s whim. His decision-making is almost always correct. He’s intelligent. He’s exceptional.
“I’d like to see him play with the Spanish national team. He hasn’t told me anything about his plans. I hope he stays at Barcelona for many years.
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“He has the potential to make a mark. But with patience. I don’t think there will be management issues. He’s delighted and happy. He’s humble, works hard, loves football… I see him ready to play. His age surprises me: just turned 16.”
The shy yet humble youngster himself provided his first interview of his career following the aftermath of the clash.
“I’m not scared,” the 16-year-old declared, after creating two goals in the seven-strike thriller.
“I go out and play football. I try to take advantage of every opportunity.
“This is precisely what Xavi asks young people, to not be afraid.
“Luckily I’m not scared. I go out and I play football which is what I’m good at.
“My mother is a little scared when I’m a starter but she supports me a lot.”
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