Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has compared 15-year-old Lamal Yamine to club legend Lionel Messi after his first-team debut on Saturday.
Yamal repalced Gavi in the final five minutes against Real Betis on Saturday at the Camp Nou, with the youngster showing quite a bit in his cameo.
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The young attacker now holds the record for the youngest player to make his debut for the Catalans at the age of 15 and 290 days.
Xavi, who played with Messi, says Yamal does have similar straights to the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.
"He's a similar player because he has that innate talent in the final third which is difficult to find," Xavi said, as per ESPN.
"Lamine doesn't seem like a 15-year-old, he's very mature. He's ready [to play] and he is training well. He can mark an era at this club as part of this team."
The Barcelona coach also opened up about what he told the 15-year-old before he made his way onto the pitch.
"I told him to try things and he did. At 15 years old, just imagine it... He is special and he could have even scored tonight, but [Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva] saved," he added
"He played with confidence and he showed what he is about. He has no fear and bags of talent. Some of his passes in the final third were really good."
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