Forward Lamine Yamal could be Barcelona's youngest debutant ever
The 15-year-old has been named in the squad for Sunday's game against Atletico
Lamine Yamal could make history this weekend with Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez has included the 15-year-old in the squad for the league clash against Atletico Madrid and if he plays against the Rojiblancos, he would become the youngest debutant in the history of the Catalan club.
"He has personality, talent, the final pass, on-on-one, he's strong, he's got a great attitude and he's had wonderful training sessions this week," Xavi said of the youngster.
"He can mark an era in the club's history. Without fear, we'll put him in the squad. I have spoken to him and he is grateful and happy. If he is able to participate, I'm sure he will help us."
Yamal, still at U16 age, is a permanent fixture in Barça's U16 squad. He will turn 16 in July. After several training sessions with the first team under the orders of Xavi, for the first time the promising youngster has been included in the squad for the first time.
If he plays some minutes against Atlético, he will become the youngest debutant in the history of Barça, ahead of Vicenç Martínez, Ansu Fati, Bojan Krkic and Gavi.
The precedents
- Vicenç Martínez: He made his debut in the late 1940s at the age of 16 years, 9 months and 5 days.
- Ansu Fati: He came close to beating Vicenç's record. He played his first minutes with the first team at the age of 16 years, 9 months and 25 days.
- Bojan Krkic: He made his debut with Barça on his 17th birthday.
- Pablo Martín Paéz Gavira (Gavi): A talent from La Masia, he made his debut with the first team at the age of 17 years and 24 days.
Such is the level and confidence of the Catalan club in the youth player, that Lamine Yamal will be part of the players who will do the pre-season with the Barça team next summer.
