Barcelona determined to avoid mistakes made with Ansu Fati and Pedri with academy jewel | OneFootball

Journalist Jordi Cardero is reporting that Barcelona will not repeat the mistakes they did with the likes of Ansu Fati and Pedri when it comes to Lamine Yamal. In turn, manager Xavi will be extremely cautious with the use of his young talent this season.

Back when Ansu and Pedri burst onto the scenes, local media was quick to emphasise the talent and all the comparisons with Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta. While the youngsters did manage to shine, playing them game after game led to physical problems eventually.

“They played more than they should have done and ended up paying the price for it,” said an insider from the technical staff of FC Barcelona.

So when it comes to Yamal, the team from Catalonia will be very strategic in order to protect him. For that, the basic idea is to rotate him between the starting XI and substitute appearances this season.

Patience is the key

Xavi is determined to shield Yamal from any comparisons to Messi and ensure his well-being takes precedence. His strategy with the young player remains unwavering: patience is key.

In the recent match against Mallorca, Yamal didn’t initially find himself in the starting lineup. However, with just 30 minutes remaining in the game, his entry made a significant impact.

His performance was highlighted by an impressive dribbling record, surpassing the combined efforts of Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Joao Felix. Lamine’s presence drastically altered the course of the game.

Barcelona will be extremely cautious with the physical condition of Lamine Yamal (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Absolutely no rush

The coaching staff is well aware of the fact that Yamal is one for the future. When discussing the youngster, their focus centres on the importance of nurturing his development.

Following the conclusion of pre-season, the coaching staff’s primary determination was to integrate him into the first-team setup. They plan to assess his readiness on a week-to-week basis, deciding whether he should feature alongside the senior squad or with Barça Atletic.

Lastly, the coaching staff is giving utmost attention to another critical aspect: Yamal’s physical well-being. Given the past setbacks experienced by young talents like Pedri and Ansu, they are determined to prevent him from encountering similar obstacles.