Lamine Yamal would not have been a Barcelona regular in 2012, says Cristian Tello

Former Barcelona winger Cristian Tello believes Lamine Yamal’s exceptional ability would not have been enough for him to establish himself as a regular in Barcelona’s first team in 2012.

Yamal, who is currently a first-team player for Barcelona at the age of 19, would have faced a far tougher challenge competing for a place during that period, according to Tello.

“Lamine Yamal is a starter at the age of 19 with Barcelona, but in 2012? It would have been difficult for him,” Tello told French radio station RMC.

“I think he would have reached the first team because of his ability and what he offers, but it would have been difficult for him to force his way into the side.”

Tello highlighted the quality of the players competing for places at Barcelona at the time, saying that academy graduates would have faced an exceptionally demanding route into the senior team.

“We are talking about players such as Alexis Sanchez, Pedro, David Villa, Lionel Messi and Neymar,” he said.

“For any player coming through the club’s academy, it was extremely difficult to secure a place in the first team against players of that quality.”

Tello added that Barcelona’s current squad contains a larger number of young players, making it easier for emerging talents to receive opportunities and make an impact.

“At the moment, the first team includes a large number of young players, so it has become easier for this type of player to get a chance and shine,” he said.

“In our era, it was more difficult because the team had more experienced players and established stars.”

Tello believes that breaking into Barcelona’s senior side during that period carried greater significance because of the calibre and reputation of the squad’s established players.

“For that reason, I think reaching the first team at that time had greater value, because the players who made up the team were already recognised at the highest level,” he said.

Tello made 86 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 20 goals and providing 14 assists.

During his time with the club, he won the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup and La Liga.