Xavi is back!
“This time, collective titles weighed more heavily. For me, of course, he deserved it. So did Vitinha, Salah, Pedri, and Raphinha… many players deserved it. But in the end, titles count more. Lamine will win it, I’m convinced — but when his team wins the Champions League or a World Cup.”
Xavi then recalled Yamal’s debut and the first impressions that made him realize he was witnessing something special:
“I feel very proud of what Lamine is doing and of having given him the chance to make his debut. I saw him as very prepared despite being fifteen. He was very confident, very capable, making a difference in training. He wasn’t afraid of anything. From the very first day, he stood out. For me, he’s one of the chosen ones and can define an era in world football. He has no complexes, no fear whatsoever.”
The former Barça midfielder admitted that Yamal’s potential was clear to everyone on his coaching staff from the beginning:
“Yes, without a doubt. We said it among the staff — we said he was Ballon d’Or material. Watching him train, you could already see something different. You immediately realized he was one of the chosen ones.”