Lamine Yamal, aged 15, is now the youngest player to feature for Barcelona’s Juvenil A side in the UEFA Youth League. The teenage forward got his chance during the team’s 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen U-19 on matchday 1 of the tournament.
The 15-year-old came on as a substitute for Angel Alarcon Galiot during a double change in the 64th minute. He managed to have one shot on goal, but his attempt was successfully blocked by the opposition keeper.
It must be noted that Yamal was one among ten other players from the subsidiary who completed a training session with the senior team at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper following a convincing 3-0 win over Sevilla.
Days after training with a few first-team regulars, the 15-year-old made a substitute appearance in a UEFA Youth League game and his coach, Oscar Lopez was left impressed with the teenager’s approach.
“He’s always asking questions, he has a very good predisposition to evolve. We have to take care of him with calmness and not rush him,” Lopez told journalist Albert Roge.
For now, although Barcelona’s objective is to keep using Yamal for the Juvenil A team, one cannot underestimate the fact that training calls from Xavi will be frequent from hereon.
As of today, Yamal cannot sign a professional contract with Barcelona until July 13, 2023; when he turns 16. Hence, there are suitors waiting to pry on the given opportunity but Barcelona wil do everything in their power to protect their young one.
In that regard, sporting director Mateu Alemany does not really want any surprises and is hence looking to avoid any future mishap. This means the adaptation of the first professional contract agreement is already in pipeline and by the time Yamal turns 16, he will have the papers ready for him.