Previous Barcelona youth coach opens on ‘unstoppable’ increasing star
At just 17 years of age, Lamine Yamal has already established himself as one of the brightest young stars in world football.
However long before the Barcelona faithful sang his name, those closest to the La Masia setup already understood a generational talent was blooming.
Among them is Oscar Lopez, previous head coach of FC Barcelona’s Juvenil A (U19) team, who just recently spoke with Radio MARCA about managing Yamal during the child’s final days in the youth ranks.
Oscar Lopez on managing Lamine Yamal
Oscar Lopez started by confessing that Yamal’s early promise was seen by the Barcelona youth coaches, and his fast rise to prominence wasn’t a surprise to many.
“He currently did everything you’re seeing now,” said Lopez. “But at the time, individuals didn’t understand him as much. At 15, he was currently an undisputed starter in the U19s, competing against players approximately 5 years his senior.”
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Lopez went on to speak about how, rather than dealing with Yamal’s technical abilities, it was more crucial to take a more detailed take a look at handling his feelings.
“I focused a lot on preserving the psychological balance that the leap to professional football requires,” he stated.
Lopez acknowledged that the young winger’s personal background had formed his mentality and made him mentally resilient, which in turn has played a crucial role in how he has actually managed the pressure that includes sudden fame.
“He’s had to grow before his time. He’s a kid with a maturity that’s unbecoming of his age. In the locker room, he’s always been shy, but what he requires to prove, he demonstrates on the pitch, not by speaking,” he said.
The former Barcelona youth coach went on to back Yamal to continue his fast development and preserve his stardom.
“He keeps evolving, he keeps enhancing, and he’s impressive. I wouldn’t be surprised if at 23, he’s an unstoppable player,” he concluded.