Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez says 15-year-old Lamine Yamal can mark an era at the club after making his LaLiga debut in Saturday’s 4-0 win against Real Betis.
Yamal, who doesn’t turn 16 until July, came off the bench for the final 10 minutes to become Barca’s youngest ever debutant in the Spanish top flight.
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Former Mallorca forward Luka Romero, now at Lazio, remains the youngest to ever play in LaLiga, but Yamal becomes one of just five players to play in the league before turning 16.
“I told him to try things and he did,” Xavi said of Yamal’s debut. “At 15 years old, just imagine it… He is special and he could have even scored tonight, but [Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva] saved.
“He played with confidence and he showed what he is about. He has no fear and bags of talent. Some of his passes in the final third were really good.”
