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Lamine Yamal backed for ‘great future’ by Barcelona boss Xavi after star showing in thrilling 4-3 win at Villarreal.
Barcelona manager Xavi showered accolades on 16-year-old Lamine Yamal after he turned in a Man of the Match performance against Villarreal.
The La Masia graduate was named Man of the Match as his team overcame a deficit to defeat Villarreal. He assisted once and contributed significantly to two other goals for Barca. After the final whistle, Xavi congratulated Yamal before the adolescent thought back on his most recent impressive performance.
“He is a very good player. Very unbalancing, very electric, a difficult opponent to cover. He has a great future,” Xavi said following the 4-3 win.
Yamal added on his performance: “I will take advantage of every opportunity that the manager gives me. I’m not afraid. I try to play football, which is what I do best.”
The young player started for the second week in a row on Sunday after doing well against Cadiz the previous week. Raphinha, Xavi’s first-choice right winger, will soon finish his ban, leaving him with the choice of starting Yamal or not.
Barcelona will try to win their third straight game when they take on Osasuna in La Liga the following week.