‘Leave him alone’ – Cazorla urges Spain to protect Lamine Yamal

Legendary former Arsenal playmaker and current Real Oviedo captain, Santi Cazorla, has issued a passionate plea to the Spanish football community to protect Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal.

Speaking on the immense pressure surrounding the youngster, Cazorla insisted that the 18-year-old must be allowed to develop at his own pace, free from the suffocating weight of constant comparisons to Lionel Messi.

The veteran midfielder argued that “he must be left alone” to ensure his mental and professional growth isn’t stunted by the unrealistic expectations typically reserved for all-time greats.

“He must be left alone. He’s very young and is already being compared to (Lionel) Messi  and other players who have reached very high levels,” he told Mundo Deportivo.

“Having had the opportunity to face them even at this age is something I’ll always carry with me.”

The urgency of Cazorla’s message is underscored by Yamal’s unprecedented performance levels throughout the 2025–26 campaign, where he has become the focal point of Barcelona’s attack.

Across 40 total club appearances this season, the winger has proven his elite status by racking up an incredible 21 goals and 15 assists.

His domestic form in LaLiga has been particularly devastating, where he has recorded 14 goals and 9 assists in just 25 matches, often deciding high-stakes fixtures single-handedly.

The young Spain international of Moroccan descent’s influence has extended well beyond domestic borders, as he has also lit up the continental stage.

In eight Champions League fixtures this year, Yamal has contributed five goals and four assists, maintaining a world-class output against Europe’s toughest defenses.

Additionally, he has added two goals and two assists during Barcelona’s Copa del Rey run, further cementing his reputation as a big-game player despite his tender age.

While Yamal’s current tally of 36 direct goal contributions this season suggests a player ready to take the throne, Cazorla’s warning remains a vital reminder: for the prodigy to truly reach the heights of the legends before him, he first needs the protection and space to simply be himself.