Xavi Hernández never gets tired of saying that "Lamine is different", that "he has an innate talent and a tremendous bar", and that "he has no fear". Lamine, of course, is Lamine Yamal, a first name compound of African origin, and the surnames Nasraoui (the father is Moroccan) and Ebana (the mother, from Equatorial Guinea). Born in Esplugues de Llobregat 16 years ago (on July 13, 2007), but raised in the neighborhood of Rocafonda de Mataró, in Granollers and now in La Masia, the last pearl of the Barça squad has become a beam of light that illuminates Barça in the darkness on the way to the goal. His debut as a starter in the League, as a teenager, was the best of a stuck team, which has a terrible time creating chances.
Xavi, on top of the bleachers of the Olympic Stadium serving his first suspended game, had it clear to open the gates of Cádiz: open the wings, with Lamine Yamal on the right in the usual place of the suspended Raphinha, and Balde de lane on the left.
The young winger proved him right as soon as he touched the first ball, in the 5th minute: he went away with a dodge from Iza Carcelén, who could only stop him with a push that in any part of the field outside of the area would have been missed. Regulation in hand (“the action of extending the arms to prevent the opponent from advancing or eluding the offender, using the hands, arms or body”), there was no doubt. But for debutant Muñiz Ruiz, the offense should not have had enough violence or blood to warrant a penalty.
It was the letter of introduction – in case any clueless person still didn't know what Lamine Yamal was about – and the beginning of an endless repertoire of overflow, speed, combinations associating with his band neighbor, Koundé, of bar in one against one, of crosses with intention or even of bold shots with danger. Well, he offers this lad of only 16 years, who looks nothing like a beginner having only played two spells in Primera, 7 minutes against Betis on his debut and 14 on Sunday last week at Getafe .
In the statistics he left, in the 85 minutes he played, five dribbles, two shots on goal and 9.2 km covered. Although his unbalanced game does not translate into cold numbers. His was a left-footed cross that a very tempered Pedri headed in (m. 15), his was Barça's first and clearest chance, a shot with a nut that deflected into the corner with his fingertips Conan Ledesma (m. 29), as well as a shot from outside the area – in a team where few dare to shoot – at the start of the second half that took the goalkeeper from Cádiz with his fists. Two shots, two chances to score.
"He's a boy who pretends, very daring, and Javi [Hernández, the left back] has suffered a lot", admitted Sergio González, flattering the Barça winger, who was also praised by his team. “Lamine is very talented, he is still very, very young; you see, that's natural. He has to keep working, he has talent and potential to reach the highest level", commented Frenkie de Jong, protecting the boy.
It is what worries Xavi Hernández the most, the coach who bet on him by promoting him from youth A and making his debut at just 15 years old – the youngest in Barça's history in the League – against Betis on 29 April. The technician does not want Lamine Yamal to get spoiled or get stuck; He wants it to mature, to follow its splendid path. "Lamine can help us a lot, he has done a great job and can make a difference. It's not a problem to start him at only 16 years old, we have to take care of him", pointed out Xavi.
After leaving everything on the field and being one of the most active players, the coach replaced him with Ferran Torres in 85. Olímpic Lluís Companys gave him a standing ovation. Lamine Yamal had dazzled the 39,603 fans who climbed the mountain.
