Recently, young Spanish player Lamine Yamal was interviewed by a journalist named Juanma Castaño.They chatted about a number of topics, including his performance at Barcelona, his upbringing, his expectations for the future, and how he sees the Ballon d’Or as a hot topic.
From ordinary teenager to the center of attention
Yamal says the past year has been a really big change for him.He says, “I’ve loved playing soccer since I was a kid, and now I’m really happy to be able to do what I love.”This statement sounds simple, but it also shows his passion for soccer.
Before, like all 17-year-old boys, he would go play a game after dinner or go home and play computer games.But not anymore.He said, “I can’t just go out like I used to, like picking up my brother from school, a small thing like that, I can’t even go there myself anymore.”
He also mentioned an interesting change, “People used to always talk about stars like Lewandowski, Gündoğan, and Rafinha, but now more and more people are starting to pay attention to me.”Despite his young age, he is already feeling the attention and pressure from the outside world.
Negative comments as motivation?
Yamal also spoke about his attitude towards online comments.He said, “I don’t actively read those comments, but my friends often send them to me.”Especially videos on Jitterbug, the two close friends know that reading negative comments can make him more motivated instead, so they make a point of sending him some before every game.
Once against France, he was still asleep on the bus when his friend woke him up to remind him, “Don’t forget what Rabiot said!”Then he conceded a goal in the game and his friend reminded him again.He said, “I jumped up right then and there and rushed into the field running as hard as I could just to prove it to them.”
How do you think on the field?
When asked, “Do you know how you’re going to play the first time you touch the ball?”Yamal replied confidently, “Yes.For example, when I received the first ball at Monteverde (Barcelona’s training base) and the whole stadium cheered, I knew that the other team’s defense would be more careful.They won’t come as hard as they did before to steal me.”
He also added, “Just like when I was a kid and I would get scared when I saw those big players, it’s probably someone else’s turn to be scared of me now.”
What does he do when faced with an opponent?
Yamal was also asked, “Do you think opponents can predict your moves?”He laughed and said, “If they don’t let me in, then I’ll just go outside.If it was that easy to defend me, they would have done it already.”
He also mentioned communicating with opponents on the pitch.For example, in the games against Espanyol and Inter Milan, he had conversations with opposing defender Bastoni.He said, “We sometimes say a few words to each other on the field, it’s quite normal.”
What’s the problem with Barcelona right now?
Yamal also had his own opinion about Barcelona’s current situation.He said, “We are improving, but the most important thing we need is to believe that we are the strongest team.”He gave an example, “After Real Madrid lost to Arsenal, everyone thought they would roll over.But we just drew with Inter and people started saying we couldn’t do it.This situation must change.”
For the team’s defense problem, he also gave his own understanding: “This is actually not a big problem.Because of the changes in our defense system this season, everyone is still not quite adapted.With a little adjustment, it should be solved soon.”
How does the Champions League final look?
Yamal also spoke about last season’s Champions League final.He said, “Anything can happen in that kind of game.If it was a replay, the result would definitely not have been 5-0,“ he added, revealing that when Barcelona were knocked out, all he could think about was the national derby, ”We’ll be back next season, and if we don’t make it, then the next season.”
As for the choice between the Champions League and the World Cup, he said, “I’m going to play in both, so I want to win both.”That answer was both direct and confident.
Thoughts on the Ballon d’Or
A reporter asked him, “Will Thursday’s game decide who gets the Ballon d’Or?”Yamal replied, “If I had to vote, I’d go for the one who’s played the best all year, not the player who’s only played well in one key game.”
When asked who he himself would vote for, he laughed and said, “I have to keep that one a secret.I don’t want to think about that too early or I’ll just add pressure on myself.I just want to play well now and help the team win.If we get the Champions League and the World Cup next year, then the Ballon d’Or will naturally come.If not, it doesn’t matter.The most important thing is to enjoy the process of playing soccer.”
Teamwork is important
Yamal also spoke about team spirit.He said, “A great player cannot be lazier than his teammates.If one person is not involved in defense, the whole team suffers.Even if the offense is great, it’s dangerous if you don’t help out on defense.”
Ever thought of playing for Real Madrid?
A reporter jokingly asked him, “Have you ever thought about playing for Real Madrid?”Yamal immediately replied, “No, absolutely not.”This is a very firm statement and you can see that he has a deep affection for Barcelona.
Is the new coach strict?
Barcelona’s new manager Hans Frick is known for his strictness.Yamal said, “It’s true that it’s strict, but that’s what we need.”He said, “We’re young and it’s easy to slack off when no one is watching us.This strict management style will help us stay focused.”
Thoughts on other players
Yamal was also asked some questions about other players.For example, between Luis Diaz and Rashford, who would he pick?He replied, “At Barcelona, we already have strikers like Ansu, Ferran, Robel, Paulo Victor.If there are newcomers coming in, we welcome them.”
He also selected the best players in his mind for the Champions League this season:
Rumors about Neymar
Finally, Yamal responded to rumors that he is going to Brazil to play with Neymar.He said, “I am planning to go on vacation to Brazil with my friends and if I happen to meet Neymar, I will say hello to him.”
