In Saturday’s 4-0 win against Real Betis, Barcelona introduced 15-year-old attacker Lamine Yamal, making him the club’s youngest player in La Liga. The Catalan club declared he was their second-youngest player of all time, trailing only Albert Almasque, who participated in the Macaya Cup at the age of 13 years, 11 months, and six days in 1902. With four minutes plus stoppage time remaining, the winger came on to make his debut at the age of 15 years, nine months, and sixteen days.
“He’s got innate talent in the final third which is difficult to find,” Xavi told reporters.
“He doesn’t seem like he’s 15 years old, he’s more mature than his years. I’ve seen him train and he’s shown it.
“He played 10 minutes, but did well, he can mark an era at the club.”
Yamal scored during an impressive cameo as Barcelona regained an 11-point lead at the top of the league. Xavi agreed with parallels to Lionel Messi and Ansu Fati, both of whom made their club debuts at a young age.
“I told him to try things and he did,” Xavi told Movistar. “At 15 years old, just imagine it. He’s a special player, he could score, assist, and he had confidence.
“When you see it in training you realize, he could be big.”
Yamal also provided an opportunity for Ousmane Dembele with a scooped pass over the top. Raphinha, who scored Barcelona’s third goal against Betis, stated that the entire squad was buzzing about Yamal’s debut.
“We were talking about this on the bench when I was 15 I think I was playing for my neighborhood team,” Barca winger Raphinha told Movistar. “And seeing him come on in this stadium, with all these people, is incredible.