Xavi reveals why he called up 15-year-old Lamine Yamal to Barcelona squad

Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez, has opened up on his historic decision to call up 15-year-old La Masia winger Lamine Yamal to the senior squad.

Yamal made history when he became the youngest ever Barcelona player to be called up to a matchday squad when Xavi included him in the team to face-off against Atletico Madrid.

Yamal could make further history for Barcelona becoming the youngest-ever player to feature for the Catalans should Xavi deem it fit to field the youngster against Atletico.

Speaking on his decision to call the 15-year-old, Xavi praised Yamal’s qualities and personality. Stating that it could define a new era for Barcelona

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“All those who are there can participate,” Xavi said. “Yamal is very talented, despite being 15 years old. He has personality, talent, one-on-ones, he is strong… He is a player who can define an important era in the club.

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“He is happy, grateful and happy to be on the list. If it happens that he has to play, I’m sure he can help us.”

Xavi went on to deny that his decision to call-up Yamal had anything to do with his contract situation. The teenager is not yet old enough to sign a professional contract and numerous clubs are looking at taking advantage of the situation – similar to Bayern Munich’s signing of Jamal Musiala from Chelsea – although Barcelona are working to agree senior terms with the teenager.

“We are focused on the present,” Xavi insisted.

“He has trained with us this week and we have liked what we have seen. That is why he is on the list, regardless of his contract situation.”

Should Yamal feature against Atletico, he would become the youngest player in the history of Barcelona, breaking the record set by Armand Martinez Sagi in April 1922.