Barcelona great insists Lamine Yamal would not have made it in his generation | OneFootball

Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has said that superstar forward Lamine Yamal would not be able to break into the starting XI of the defender’s generation.

Pique, the legendary former centre-back who enjoyed a trophy-laden career with both the club and the Spanish national team, is the first guest on a new podcast hosted by his long-time rival from El Clasico battles, former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

The podcast’s premiere episode features a candid discussion between the two former footballers, touching on various topics from their playing days to modern football.

On Lamine Yamal

One of the standout moments from their conversation involved Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona winger who has already established himself as a key player for the team.

Having won the prestigious Golden Boy award as the best under-21 footballer in the world and playing a crucial role in Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 campaign, Yamal is widely regarded as one of the brightest talents of his generation.

Lamine Yamal is currently one of the best footballers. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Pique expressed his belief that Yamal might not have had the same opportunities in their era. “My feeling is that Lamine Yamal would not be playing in our generation,” he said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Interestingly, he did not specify whether he was referring to Barcelona or the Spanish national team, though both squads had significant overlaps during their peak years.

On the Barcelona-Real Madrid rivalry

Beyond discussions about rising stars, the two former players also reflected on the intense rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid during their time on the pitch.

More than a decade ago, El Clasico encounters were often marked by heated exchanges, both on and off the field.

Pique acknowledged that the atmosphere surrounding those matches sometimes reached extreme levels, with tensions running high between the two sides.

“When lines are crossed that should never be crossed, that’s when I don’t agree,” he added.