Dani Carvajal Defends Lamine Yamal Against Pressure Critics

 Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal has defended Barcelona’s teenage star Lamine Yamal, urging understanding for the young forward’s immense pressure.

Dani Carvajal spoke out in support of Barcelona’s 18-year-old star Lamine Yamal on Cadena SER’s El Larguero, addressing the intense scrutiny the teenager faces. Yamal, a key figure in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and Barcelona’s La Liga success, has been hailed as a Ballon d’Or contender for his 18 goals and 25 assists last season. Carvajal praised Yamal’s undeniable talent, noting the difficulty of performing at such a level for a club like Barcelona at his age.

Carvajal highlighted Yamal’s meteoric rise, from a breakout season to starring for Spain, but cautioned that mistakes are inevitable for an 18-year-old under such pressure. He compared his own career, noting he was at Castilla at Yamal’s age, underscoring the teenager’s remarkable impact. The remarks come amid Yamal’s Ballon d’Or buzz alongside players like Ousmane Dembélé, with Nigeria’s football fans following his journey as inspiration for young talents.

The defense has resonated, with some praising Carvajal’s empathy, while others note the challenges of managing Yamal’s fame. The statement tests Spain’s football culture in nurturing young stars. As Yamal continues to shine, Carvajal’s support highlights the need for balance, with Nigeria watching for lessons in developing its own prospects.