World Cup winning coach asks for more caution for Barcelona young duo: “We go crazy for young players”

Barcelona’s season was already sabotaged from the start given their dire financial issues. They were not able to reinforce the team properly after key departures in the summer, especially those of Sergio Busquets and Ousmane Dembele.

If that was not enough, the blaugranes were also hit by a string of injuries across the last two month, with Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Pedri, and Ronald Araujo all sidelined at some point.

Like so many times across the 21st century, though, La Masia came to Barcelona’s rescue once again.

With de Jong and Pedri both out, the midfield was running thin, which gave way for Fermin Lopez to be promoted to the senior team and get chances. Dembele’s departure, on the other hand, allowed for the integration of Lamine Yamal.

20 and 16 years of age, respectively, both players have done exceedingly well in their roles so far this season, and have been rewarded with a call-up to the Spanish National Team by coach Luis de la Fuente.

However, World Cup winning coach Vincente del Bosque has publicly called for more caution to be taken with young players.

“I support that there will be excitement towards young players like Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez, but there must be caution with them because they are young,” he said, as relayed Infobae.

He also added, “Caution does not exist now in the world of football because we quickly go crazy about young players.”

There is little doubting del Bosque’s words right now, especially when you consider Yamal. The 16-year-old has played in every single La Liga game so far this season, and has also already participated with the national team once.

The dire impact of throwing caution to the wind can already be seen on Pedri, who has not gone a season without injury since his breakthrough season in 2020/21 under Ronald Koeman.

As such, both Xavi and de la Fuente must be extremely careful while giving minutes to young players in their squad, especially this season when the schedule is as hectic as it is.