Barcelona manager Xavi has insisted that 15-year-old Lamine Yamal has earned his chance to make his senior debut.
Yamal, one of La Masia’s leading prospects, became the youngest player in Barcelona history to be included in a matchday squad when Xavi handed him a call-up for Sunday’s meeting with Atletico Madrid.
Ahead of the game, Xavi explained his decision to thrust Yamal into the limelight.
“All those who are there can participate,” Xavi said. “[Yamal] is very talented, despite being 15 years old. He has personality, talent, one-on-ones, he is strong… He is a player who can define an important era in the club.
“He is happy, grateful and happy to be on the list. If it happens that he has to play, I’m sure he can help us.”
Xavi went on to deny that his decision to call-up Yamal had anything to do with his contract situation. The teenager is not yet old enough to sign a professional contract and numerous clubs are looking at taking advantage of the situation – similar to Bayern Munich’s signing of Jamal Musiala from Chelsea – although Barcelona are working to agree senior terms with the teenager.
“We are focused on the present,” Xavi insisted. “He has trained with us this week and we have liked what we have seen. That is why he is on the list, regardless of his contract situation.”
Should Yamal feature against Atletico, he would become the youngest player in the history of Barcelona, breaking the record set by Armand Martinez Sagi in April 1922.
