Robert Lewandowski talks Pedri, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal – ‘Haven’t seen anyone like him’ | OneFootball

In a recent interview with Polish outlet Pilka Nozna, Robert Lewandowski opened up on various topics including not limited to, Lamine Yamal.

The Pole talked about Yamal’s rapid rise to prominence while laying out how the current generation of players are different from previous generations, in terms of the media attention they get.

Lewandowski on generational differences

Lewandowski, at 36 years old, has seen the evolution of football over the years. Playing alongside 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, the Polish striker understands the generational gap in footballing philosophy and mentality.

“If someone has talent, they can use it until they are 23 or 24 years old, more or less, but later on talent alone is not enough. You need a mindset,” he said (h/t SPORT).

“Today the world of football is rolling out the red carpet for young players. I understand it, but it kills the construction of their mentality a bit,” he added.

Lewandowski believes that many of these players might struggle when they encounter difficulties.

“I’m not sure if these young people when bad times come, will be able to face them because at 18 or 20 years old you can earn something and money, but if it’s not accompanied by adequate mental development at the highest level,” he said.

Lewandowski on Lamine Yamal’s growth

Despite his concerns over the current generation of young footballers, Lewandowski holds Lamine Yamal in high regard and believes he has a special talent. However, he emphasized the importance of guidance for the young prodigy.

“His entourage is important, and he should not think about what will happen to him in two or three years, but that he will be at the highest level in ten years’ time,” he said.

Lewandowski and Yamal have been in terrific form this season (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The Pole went on to warn Yamal further about the potential downsides of financial success at such an early age.

“Money can also weaken a player. We are human. Also, let’s remember external stimuli. When I started it was different. You waited until Monday for the newspaper to come out and that was it, the internet was still in its infancy and it worked differently.

“That’s why, although Lamine’s talent is unquestionable, a series of decisions made by him and his entourage is important so that in ten years’ time he will still want more,” he said.

That said, Lewandowski reserved praise for the young teenage sensation, who has become one of the best players in football.

“He came to train with us when he was 15 years old, I saw him for the first time. I’ve seen a lot of young, talented people, ‘Oh, he’s got something!’, but I was never sure that there would be a great career behind it.

“Until I saw Lamine. And I said ‘wow’. I asked him his age, he told me fifteen and I replied that it was impossible.”

“I admit that it is difficult for someone to impress me and it was the first time that a boy made such an impression on me. I honestly haven’t seen anyone like him. It’s not just talent, but playing like I’m five or seven years older,” Lewandowski revealed.

The veteran forward continued by explaining how Yamal has started to learn quickly, both tactically and mentally.

“He’s starting to learn quickly. Compared to the first year, when he started playing for Barcelona, for me, it’s much easier to play with him. I see that he also understands football better and better. It’s much easier to explain a tactical issue to him,” he said.

Lewandowski contrasted this to other young players, who often misinterpret in-game situations.

“Many young Barça players think that someone on the pitch didn’t do something right in a certain situation, when in fact they were the ones who made a mistake. What prevails is the hot head, not tactical knowledge. They look at it negatively,” he added.

Barcelona’s attacking trident is on fire this season. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

As for Yamal, Lewandowski admitted that the Spaniard is different and more mature, when it comes to understanding the game.

“On the contrary, he grasps things quickly. It’s hard to explain, but there’s an internal connection between the players that you can’t see, but it exists. And I’m starting to feel something similar for Yamal,” he said.

Lewandowski on growing chemistry with teammates

While Lewandowski’s understanding with Yamal has significantly improved this season, the Pole also talked about improving chemistry with other players, such as Pedri and Raphinha.

“And not only with him, but also with Pedri,” he said.

Regarding Raphinha, the Pole added, “Every game we understand each other better. He passes the ball with a lot of power, so difficult that sometimes there is no time to react.”

“I explain: ‘Rapha, it’s better to play lighter, but precise, because even if you play a great ball, but strong, it’s difficult for the attacker to control it. Basically, it’s my third in Barcelona and we’re getting to understand each other better and better,” he concluded.