Lamine Yamal has been arguably the biggest rising star in La Liga this season, establishing himself as a first-team regular for Barcelona at the age of just 16.
Despite little experience at the highest level, Yamal has racked up 7 goals and 10 assists in 50 competitive appearances this term, establishing himself as a trusted attacking option for Barcelona.
Yamal, though, has had his fair share of ups and downs during the course of the campaign. While praises have flown in, with some even comparing him to Lionel Messi, the forward has received criticism as well.
Lamine on comparisons to Messi
In a recent media interaction, Yamal has opened up about the comparisons with Messi and criticism from the press, suggesting that it is better to just focus on oneself.
“In the press, one day they say you are the new Messi and the next day they say you should stop playing,” said Yamal (h/t FCB World), who is currently preparing for the upcoming European Championship.
Yamal will be the youngest player in the Spain squad that will look to clinch the Euros for the first time since 2012.
The 16-year-old, in fact, is one of few Barcelona players selected for Spain’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024. He will travel to Germany alongside the likes of Ferran Torres, Pedri and fellow La Masia sensation Pau Cubarsi.
Adding to his point about media chatter, Yamal added that it is better not to listen to critics and focus on individual qualities.
“The best thing is to focus on yourself and your work, and only think about what the coach, who really wants to help you, and your colleagues are saying,” he said.
Reflecting on the season that went by with Barcelona, he added: “I had very high expectations, because not winning a title in Barcelona is a difficult thing. I think we’ve had a lot of ups and downs, especially in La Liga.
“We did not know how to be consistent. To win the Spanish League, Champions League, Copa del Rey or Spanish Super Cup you have to be consistent, and that’s what we lacked.”
Yamal will be hoping to make a substantial impact for Spain in Euro 2024, though he does face stiff competition from Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal and Nico Williams.
