Arsenal 29yo sings praises of Barcelona youngster | OneFootball

Arsenal’s David Raya has praised Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, but called on everyone to let the player enjoy his football.

MURCIA, SPAIN: Lamine Yamal of Spain looks on during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A4 match between Spain and Denmark at Estadio Enrique Roca on October 12, 2024. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

Lamine Yamal made a strong impression on the main stage over the summer, scoring once and assisting four goals as Spain won Euro 2024.

The 17-year-old has since returned to his club football in fantastic form, with 10 goal contributions in 11 matches for Barcelona.

There aren’t many players operating at that kind of level before they even officially reach adulthood, and former Gunner Cesc Fabregas recently called the teenager “the most talented player in the world”.

Former breakthrough youngster Cesc Fabregas on his Arsenal debut

Yet being thrust into the limelight so emphatically at such an early stage in your career can take a mental and physical toll.

Yamal had to pull out of the latest international break with muscle discomfort, and whilst Arsenal’s David Raya has praised the youngster, he called on everyone to support the player too.

“I understand the comparisons in the press, but he should not be compared to anyone,” Raya said. “He is a 17-year-old boy who is touched by a wand, he is a genius, a great player who has something special, but we have to stop making comparisons.

“It is better to let him enjoy football because he is very young. He’s at the top right now, but there are going to come difficult moments and that’s when we have to support him.”

MURCIA, SPAIN: David Raya of Spain acknowlegdes the fans during the warm up prior to the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A4 match between Spain and Denmark at Nueva Condomina on October 12, 2024. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

If all goes well for him, Yamal should spend the next couple of decades at the top of the game. But we’ve seen time and again that things don’t always pan out as planned for young players.

A serious injury, the wrong transfer, off-field problems, there’s plenty that can derail any player’s career.

As Fabregas suggests, Yamal has the talent to be a legend. Yet as Raya points out, that will only happen with the right support.