In a current interview with Polish outlet Pilka Nozna, Robert Lewandowski opened up on varied matters together with not restricted to, Lamine Yamal.
The Pole talked about Yamal’s speedy rise to prominence whereas laying out how the present technology of gamers are completely different from earlier generations, when it comes to the media consideration they get.
Lewandowski on generational variations
Lewandowski, at 36 years outdated, has seen the evolution of soccer over time. Taking part in alongside 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, the Polish striker understands the generational hole in footballing philosophy and mentality.
“If somebody has expertise, they’ll use it till they’re 23 or 24 years outdated, roughly, however in a while expertise alone shouldn’t be sufficient. You want a mindset,” he stated (h/t SPORT).
“At the moment the world of soccer is rolling out the crimson carpet for younger gamers. I perceive it, but it surely kills the development of their mentality a bit,” he added.
Lewandowski believes that many of those gamers may wrestle after they encounter difficulties.
“I’m unsure if these younger folks when dangerous instances come, will be capable of face them as a result of at 18 or 20 years outdated you possibly can earn one thing and cash, but when it’s not accompanied by sufficient psychological growth on the highest degree,” he stated.
Lewandowski on Lamine Yamal’s progress
Regardless of his considerations over the present technology of younger footballers, Lewandowski holds Lamine Yamal in excessive regard and believes he has a particular expertise. Nevertheless, he emphasised the significance of steering for the younger prodigy.
“His entourage is vital, and he shouldn’t take into consideration what’s going to occur to him in two or three years, however that he will probably be on the highest degree in ten years’ time,” he stated.
Lewandowski and Yamal have been in terrific kind this season (Picture by Angel Martinez/Getty Pictures)
The Pole went on to warn Yamal additional concerning the potential downsides of economic success at such an early age.
“Cash can even weaken a participant. We’re human. Additionally, let’s keep in mind exterior stimuli. After I began it was completely different. You waited till Monday for the newspaper to return out and that was it, the web was nonetheless in its infancy and it labored in a different way.
“That’s why, though Lamine’s expertise is unquestionable, a sequence of choices made by him and his entourage is vital in order that in ten years’ time he’ll nonetheless need extra,” he stated.
That stated, Lewandowski reserved reward for the younger teenage sensation, who has change into among the finest gamers in soccer.
“He got here to coach with us when he was 15 years outdated, I noticed him for the primary time. I’ve seen plenty of younger, proficient folks, ‘Oh, he’s obtained one thing!’, however I used to be by no means certain that there could be a terrific profession behind it.
“Till I noticed Lamine. And I stated ‘wow’. I requested him his age, he instructed me fifteen and I replied that it was unimaginable.”
“I admit that it’s tough for somebody to impress me and it was the primary time {that a} boy made such an impression on me. I actually haven’t seen anybody like him. It’s not simply expertise, however taking part in like I’m 5 or seven years older,”Lewandowski revealed.
The veteran ahead continued by explaining how Yamal has began to study rapidly, each tactically and mentally.
“He’s beginning to study rapidly. In comparison with the primary yr, when he began taking part in for Barcelona, for me, it’s a lot simpler to play with him. I see that he additionally understands soccer higher and higher. It’s a lot simpler to clarify a tactical problem to him,” he stated.
Lewandowski contrasted this to different younger gamers, who usually misread in-game conditions.
“Many younger Barça gamers suppose that somebody on the pitch didn’t do one thing proper in a sure state of affairs, when in reality they have been those who made a mistake. What prevails is the new head, not tactical data. They have a look at it negatively,” he added.
Barcelona’s attacking trident is on fireplace this season. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
As for Yamal, Lewandowski admitted that the Spaniard is completely different and extra mature, with regards to understanding the sport.
“Quite the opposite, he grasps issues rapidly. It’s laborious to clarify, however there’s an inner connection between the gamers which you could’t see, but it surely exists. And I’m beginning to really feel one thing comparable for Yamal,” he stated.
Lewandowski on rising chemistry with teammates
Whereas Lewandowski’s understanding with Yamal has considerably improved this season, the Pole additionally talked about bettering chemistry with different gamers, equivalent to Pedri and Raphinha.
“And never solely with him, but additionally with Pedri,” he stated.
Concerning Raphinha, the Pole added, “Each sport we perceive one another higher. He passes the ball with plenty of energy, so tough that typically there isn’t a time to react.”
“I clarify: ‘Rapha, it’s higher to play lighter, however exact, as a result of even in case you play a terrific ball, however robust, it’s tough for the attacker to manage it. Mainly, it’s my third in Barcelona and we’re getting to know one another higher and higher,” he concluded.