Lamine Yamal has been hailed for a major change in his attitude and behaviour, with Spanish legend Santiago Cañizares insisting the Barcelona starlet is now firmly on the right path to greatness.
“We were surprised that at 17 he had the maturity to play football for a great team and become a key player for that team,” Cañizares admitted, before highlighting how the youngster has transformed his life off the pitch.
The former goalkeeper explained that Yamal had previously done things that did not fit the behaviour expected of a professional footballer, particularly in his social and public life.
“He immediately realised that this was not the way forward and that he should focus his efforts and energy on what was important, on what had brought him to where he was, which was on the football field,” Cañizares added.
That renewed focus is already showing in Yamal’s performances. The 18‑year‑old has produced his best La Liga campaign so far, scoring 15 goals and providing 10 assists for Barcelona this season.
For many around the club, his mental growth is now matching his extraordinary talent, reinforcing the belief that he can become one of the defining players of his generation.
