Xavi Hernández, former manager of FC Barcelona and current coach of the Netherlands national team, revealed the behind-the-scenes story of discovering current Barça star Lamine Yamal and promoting him to the first team, explaining that he saw something different in the right winger.
Xavi is considered one of Lamine Yamal's discoverers and the first to promote the player to the senior squad. Lamine made his debut with Barcelona in 2023 at just 15 years old, subsequently becoming one of the key stars for both the club and the Spanish national team.
Lamine Yamal has developed tremendously to become one of the most important players not only for Barcelona but also on the global stage.
In statements reported by the newspaper 'Sport', Xavi said: "When I was appointed as Barcelona's manager, the club was facing extremely difficult financial circumstances. I always had great enthusiasm and interest in La Masia academy."
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He added: "Immediately upon arriving to coach Barcelona, I asked about the academy players over 14 years old. They told me there was one player who stood out above the rest. So, I went with the rest of the coaching staff to watch Lamine Yamal. He was making a difference with his passes, excelling remarkably in one-on-one situations, and possessing an excellent goal-scoring instinct. He was outstanding in all aspects of the game."
Xavi admitted that Lamine Yamal received several offers from various European clubs since childhood, but he convinced the player to stay at Barcelona, explaining: "Lamine Yamal told me he wanted to succeed at Barcelona, so I promoted him to the first team."
He continued: "I clearly remember how we, as Barcelona's coaching staff, viewed Lamine Yamal, and how his teammates were amazed whenever the ball reached him. I saw a player different from the rest."
Yamal has achieved tremendous accomplishments in his career, most notably winning the Euro Championship and the World Cup with the Spanish national team, alongside securing the La Liga title three times with Barcelona.
