Barcelona key duo forming a good relationship after moments of tension in the past | OneFootball

One of the positives for FC Barcelona heading into the new campaign has been the way Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski have interacted with each other during the pre-season so far.

The two have looked in a positive mood throughout the summer, forming a strong bond that has been one of the highlights of the dressing room.

Encouraging bond between Yamal and Lewandowski

As reported by SPORT, it began with a lighthearted, improvised “boxing match” during training and continued before the Joan Gamper Trophy, when their shirt numbers placed them next to each other in the presentation lineup.

The warmth is a far cry from past on-field tensions, when Lewandowski’s competitive edge sometimes led to visible frustration if Yamal failed to pass the ball.

Old generation meets the new generation (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

This even included a viral moment where he refused a handshake from the youngster. Over time, however, the pair have grown to understand each other better on the pitch.

In 5,640 minutes together in official matches, they have directly combined for 10 goals – seven scored by Lewandowski, assisted by Yamal, and three by the teenager assisted by the Pole.

Their connection goes beyond football. Despite a 20-year age gap, with different tastes in music and lifestyle, the 36-year-old Lewandowski and 16-year-old Yamal have built a genuine friendship.

At the Gamper presentation, both now sporting platinum-blond hair, they jokingly tapped each other on the head, extending their playful “boxing” banter from training.

This emerging bond between the oldest and one of the youngest players in the team is something that is highly encouraged by Hansi Flick.