Barcelona legend David Villa lauds La Masia prodigy: “He is a special talent”

Lamine Yamal has turned heads aplenty this season after breaking out in the Barcelona first team and smashing one milestone after another.

At just 16 years of age, the youngster has impressed everyone with his immense technical ability and gone on to earn incredible praise from fans, players and pundits alike.

The latest in a long line of footballing icons to hail the Barcelona starlet is now David Villa, former club legend, who showered acclaim on Yamal in a recent interview, with the quotes carried by EuroFoot.

Be careful with him, says Villa

When the former Barcelona striker was asked what he thinks Yamals’ best attributes are, he was quick to point out the sheer confidence to back the talent that Yamal possesses, which underlies his quick rise to the top.

“Well, what qualities doesn’t he have? He’s a 16, not just playing in La Liga, but for Barcelona and at such a high level against top opposition,” said El Guaje.

Villa also made sure to point out just how unique a player like Yamal is, and it isn’t often that a club strikes such gold.

“We’re talking about someone who is clearly a special talent. He’s different to other players, he’s not a clone. It’s obvious, just for looking at how he’s burst onto the scene at such a young age.”

The Spanish veteran did sound a warning about his future, however, outlining that the club has to be careful with Yamal, treat him with caution so that he actually has the tools to take on the mantle of being Barcelona’s future star.

“We need to take care of him, he’s still just 16-years-old. But he’s a genuinely unique talent who’s here to stay, and we’ll enjoy him for many years to come.”

The words ring especially loud given Barcelona’s innumerable injury problems at the moment, and the overload landing a crushing blow to Gavi, another one of their biggest young stars.