Lamine Yamal, the rising star of Barcelona, continues to establish himself as a key player for both his club and the Spanish national team. At just 17 years old, the young winger has become a crucial part of Hansi Flick’s system at Barça. In a recent interview with Radio Nacional, the Barça academy graduate opened up about his development at the club, his growing popularity, and his relationship with the German coach.

Reflecting on the past year since his first call-up to the national team, which came shortly after winning the Euro, Lamine said, "It feels like it was just yesterday, but more than a year has passed. Everything has gone by so quickly, but honestly, I prefer it that way." He expressed how fortunate he feels to be living the life of a footballer at such a young age, although he emphasized how his family, especially his mother, keeps him grounded. "She calls me before training and at night. My father and friends are also there for me when I need to talk," he added.

Flick’s Influence and On-Field Progress

A key part of the interview focused on Yamal’s relationship with Flick, the coach who has made him an indispensable part of the Barcelona lineup. Lamine revealed that after a recent game where he was substituted, Flick asked him if he was upset about the change. The young star clarified that his frustration wasn’t with the substitution itself, but with his own performance. "I expect a lot from myself, and I know I can do better. I told him I’d be at 100% for the next match," he explained. Yamal also praised Flick for his approachability and the confidence he instills in every player, regardless of their role. "He’s close to everyone, whether they play a lot or not. That trust shows in the team," he said.

Rising Popularity and the Pressure to Perform

Since winning the Euro, Lamine’s popularity has skyrocketed, but he remains unfazed by the attention. "It’s true that more people recognize me now, but I’m handling it well," he said. However, what truly motivates him is the support he receives from fans at every game. "It’s special to see how excited people are about me. That pushes me to work harder and keep improving," Yamal shared.

Thoughts on Carvajal’s Injury and Iniesta’s Legacy

During the interview, Lamine also spoke about Dani Carvajal’s recent injury, calling it a significant loss. "It’s a sad injury, not just for the national team but for football in general. He’s had a great year, and we’ll miss him a lot," he expressed.

He also touched on Andrés Iniesta’s recent announcement of his retirement, paying tribute to the Barça legend. Although Lamine was very young during Iniesta’s peak, he remembers watching him alongside Messi and Neymar at Camp Nou. "He made everything look so easy. Football is going to miss Iniesta," Yamal said with admiration.

A Bright Future Ahead

With his maturity both on and off the field, Lamine Yamal is positioning himself as one of the brightest talents in world football. His dedication to improvement, strong connection with Flick, and ability to handle pressure at such a young age suggest that the future of Barcelona and the Spanish national team is in good hands.