Barcelona star player Lamine Yamal has been a subject of criticism lately for a few on and off-field incidents. The Spain international is easily one of the most talented teenagers in football right now, but his growing popularity has also attracted a lot of criticism.
Recently, the Spain national team manager, Luis de la Fuente, gave a detailed interview with COPE where he showed great support for the 17-year-old winger.
The Spanish tactician was awestruck by the criticism around football fans regarding Yamal’s ability to score more goals. He was shocked as the teenager had shown enough mettle in attack for Barcelona and also for La Roja in recent times.
“I heard that Lamine lacks a goal… oh my. I said, I live in a world of Martians,” he said with utter disbelief.
While fans are already putting the youngster on a pedestal, De la Fuente emphasised showing more patience and guidance, something that the youngster needs to develop his game.
“Of course, we have to do protection work with him. He is a very special footballer with extraordinary potential, but everything takes time. He knows what he has, and we must not only flatter him.”
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Yamal faced a lot of heat for wearing a cap to press events. He was bashed by former Spain and Real Madrid legend Guti Fernandez for that action, and De le Fuente believes that the youngster needs guidance, support and teachings.
“He’s in a training process. It’s our duty to guide, teach, and support him. Right now, the wind is in his favour, but life will eventually test him too. He must be prepared.”
De la Fuente sends warning to Yamal ahead of the 2025/26 season
Yamal had a splendid 2024/25 season where he guided Barcelona to the domestic treble. He scored 16 goals and provided as many assists in 50 appearances for the Blaugrana across all competitions.
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However, De la Fuente believes that the pressure will be much higher on the teenager in the 2025/26 season, and teams will know more about him and be prepared for his threat.
“He has to perform more. Rivals will know him better and make things harder for him. The expectations are higher now,’ De la Fuente
Lately, he has faced a lot of heat, which started from his cap incident where he irked Guti, and then there were some scandals with him vacationing with Spanish television personality Fati Vazquez, which led to more criticism and hate towards the 17-year-old.
He was recently seen spending time with Brazil and former Barcelona icon, Neymar and playing foot volley and enjoying his time off after a gruelling campaign.
As Hansi Flick is looking to assemble a strong roster that could challenge the Champions League crown, the Catalans will need Yamal to step up next season if they want to have a lot at the European title.
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