Barcelona veteran defends Lamine Yamal – ‘I don’t see any warning signs’ | OneFootball

Just days after his contract renewal until 2027 was made official, FootTruckTV has released an interview with Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny in which the goalkeeper shares his thoughts on Lamine Yamal.

Just 17 years old, Lamine has established himself as the face of this Barcelona team and is already seen as a global sensation.

However, it has given way to some concerns about the rapid rise to stardom, and the exposure to the limelight might have an adverse impact on the youngster.

Szczesny not worried about Lamine

Despite the growing spotlight on the young winger, Szczesny remains unconcerned.

“You know what I think? Everyone has their own path. And as of today, I don’t see any warning signs. I think his attitude towards football, towards life, is what makes him the player he is. And it’s like…, you can’t really change someone’s personality,” he stated.

With comparisons to former Barcelona superstar Neymar and his often erratic career path now rising after the pair spent time on holiday together this summer, Szczesny offered perspective:

“They say Neymar could have achieved a lot more in football if he had a different mentality. But if he had approached football and life differently, he would not have been that Neymar who puts on a show.”

As such, Szczesny believes Lamine should be allowed to follow his own course.

“I think that with personalities like that, you don’t have to hold them back too much. You have to let them enjoy football, because that joy is not only infectious for their teammates, but it inspires millions of people around the world,” he said.

Szczesny not worried about Lamine Yamal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

At the same time, the Pole stressed that those around the youngster should take more responsibility, saying:

“I think that’s more the role of Lamine’s entourage than Lamine himself. He is only 17 years old.”

Continuing, the 35-year-old veteran added: “He has the right, maybe even the obligation, to make some youthful mistakes. Hopefully, if he makes them, they will not have serious consequences. But his environment will certainly be important for him.”

To Szczesny, Lamine still plays with the spirit of street football, which he highlighted, should be nurtured.

“He is still playing street football. And I think he will continue to do so for the rest of his career. He gets the ball and thinks: ‘Haha, look! And he starts to put on a show,” he said.

“Even if he misses a pass or a dribble, he and the defender covering him know that was the only time he missed. And then he gets it right ten times in a row. And he puts on a show.”

“We’ve become unaccustomed to that kind of character. And he’s a very positive person. Characters like that make people fall in love with football,” Szczesny concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo