Xavi has tipped Barcelona ace Lamine Yamal to go to the very top, praising the teenager's character and maturity as well as his footballing ability.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Xavi praises YamalYoungster described as 'humble'Potential to be era-definingWHAT HAPPENED?
Xavi has spoken glowingly about Yamal, who is still only 16 but arguably one of Barcelona's best and most important players already, suggesting the youngster has everything about him to be an era-defining player.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT XAVI SAID
Xavi said at a recent press conference: "I see him very calm. He is very measured in the sense that he is digesting everything that is happening to him very well, despite his young age. He is a mature person, he is responsible, he is aware of the situation he is experiencing. He's very humble and he's showing us that he's a differential player. He is a player that can mark an era in football, especially at Barcelona. Hopefully we can always enjoy him at this level. He's a teenage boy who's growing up. On a mental level, he is a cheerful, joking boy. He's enjoying himself. He's happy."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Even at his age, Yamal has featured in all but one of Barcelona's 30 La Liga games so far this season. With six goals and seven assists in all competitions, his 13 goal involvements is only marginally less than far more established and experienced players like Joao Felix, Ferran Torres (both 15) and Raphinha (16). Only Felix, Torres and Robert Lewandowski have scored more goals this season.
DID YOU KNOW?
Prior to becoming an international for Spain and making six senior appearances for to date, Yamal was also eligible to represent Morocco or Equatorial Guinea through his parents.
