Former Barcelona youth coach reveals what made Lamine special before first-team breakthrough: ‘No coach ever taught him how to play’
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal was already operating on a different level from his peers long before becoming one of the most influential players in world football, according to his former youth coa...
Former Barcelona youth coach Ivan Carrasco has shed light on what made Lamine Yamal stand out even before he made his first-team breakthrough. According to Carrasco, Yamal's natural talent was exceptional, a trait that set him apart from his peers even at the academy level. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Carrasco emphasized that no coach had ever taught Yamal how to play football, suggesting that his prowess was inherent.
He described Yamal's ability to influence matches, with his dribbling, finishing, and technical precision being particularly noteworthy. "In matches, he’d dribble past three opponents and score. In training, he’d do whatever he wanted with his teammates. He was a player far ahead of his time," Carrasco explained. Carrasco also highlighted Yamal's superior decision-making skills, noting that he understood situations on the pitch quickly.
He emphasized that treating a talent like Yamal's as a genius requires a different approach, emphasizing the importance of providing favorable conditions and allowing him to develop naturally. Carrasco further praised other Barcelona prospects, including Pau Cubarsi and Marc Bernal, both of whom showed great potential during their time at the club.
He noted Cubarsi's leadership qualities and Bernal's development into a '6' position, demonstrating the importance of tactical adjustments in nurturing young talents.
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