Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal informed of quality he ‘lacked most’ – with teenager not yet the finished article despite record-breaking achievements

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been informed of the quality that he “lacked most” when coaches in Catalunya cast an eye over him.

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• Burst onto the scene at 15
• Has rewritten the history books
• Needs to channel emotions

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The hottest of prospects burst onto a senior stage at just 15 years of age, rewriting the history books in the process, and became a European Championship winner with Spain the day after turning 17. Yamal is expected to form part of the global elite for many years to come.

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Obvious comparisons have been drawn to fellow La Masia academy graduate Lionel Messi, with Yamal admitting that he wants to become a legend in his own right. Positive steps are being taken down that path, but the youngster is far from being the finished article.

• WHAT BARCELONA COACH SAID

  Barcelona’s coaching team accept as much, with journalist Carles Fite telling of his interactions with those that work with Yamal behind the scenes: “I spoke to a Barca training football coach and he told me that what Lamine lacked most was managing his frustrations.”

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  That should come as no surprise as Yamal is still maturing and learning how to handle his emotions. He was less than impressed at being replaced in Barcelona’s 3-0 win at Alaves last time out, but needs to find a way of channelling that passion in the correct manner.