Robert Lewandowski gave an extensive interview to 'Mundo Deportivo' where he broke down Lamine Yamal's impact in his second season with FC Barcelona. The winger, who will inherit the number '10' in 25/26, is already by far the most decisive player in the Barça team.
For 'Lewy', in addition to his talent, the Mataró native has the mentality of a 23 or 24-year-old player. The very high level with which he closed the season and the ability to surprise whenever he takes the ball gives Barça greater danger in each offensive action. In that sense, the '9' advised the youngster on the key to having a legendary career.
"I think that if Lamine wants to work, not just one or two years, I'm talking about 5, 6 or 7 years, he can play at a top level for many years and can win many titles," commented Robert, who also admitted that, in his entire career, he had never seen such a young player with such talent and, above all, maturity.
Lewandowski warns Lamine about the Ballon d'Or: it will depend on...
Therefore, Lewandowski believes that Yamal has sufficient conditions to aspire to the Ballon d'Or this year, although everything will depend on the criteria of the voters in this edition.
"He has an opportunity, of course, but in the Ballon d'Or there are also other things that are very important. It depends on the rules they have this year. Every year you have different rules. It depends on who they want and what rules they have this season," he argued.
Similarly, he expressed his desire for one of his teammates to win the award that, due to the covid-19 pandemic, 'France Football' denied him in 2020. "It would be good for a Barcelona player to win the Ballon d'Or, but in the end you are not sure what the important rules are this season," 'Lewy' stressed.
In addition to Lamine, Raphinha and Pedri are also candidates for Barça to win the award. However, Ousmane Dembélé is now a favorite for many after winning the Champions League with Paris-Saint-Germain.
"I've never seen anything like it": Lewandowski's praise for Lamine Yamal
When recalling the first training session together, Lewandowski explained that, at that time, the Rocafonda native was only 15 years old and left everyone speechless with his talent.
"He is a player who also has a very well-furnished head, it doesn't seem like he is 17 years old. He also shows a lot of maturity in tactics and the things we talk about on the field," commented Robert.
"Lamine, like other teammates, are already Barça players, but on the other hand they are still children."
Likewise, Lewandowski warned Yamal about what awaits him from next season, already as an adult footballer. "In July he will be 18 years old and that will also be a step forward for him. Also for rivals it is one thing when you play with 17 years old than when you are 18 years old or more."
Therefore, he added: "It is likely that now the rivals are going to play him a little stronger, but it is normal. So Lamine will have to find a solution on the field, both with and without the ball."
Finally, he pointed out the importance of resting after such a demanding season, with up to 60 games. "When you play at this age, every three days and at this level, it is not easy. For the head and for mental health, it is important to have a little rest. I have not seen a player who is preparing for these things mentally with 17 or 18 years old, he pointed out.
Lewandowski, proud of the 'LRL' records
On the other hand, Robert spoke about his great offensive season together with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. The 'LRL', the most lethal trident in Europe, scored 94 goals and participated in 143 of the 177 goals scored by the team (80.7%).
In that sense, Lewandowski valued the understanding with Rafa and Lamine, who he assured "was at another level" in the final stretch of the season, although he also praised the Brazilian's dynamics and speed to free up spaces and gain the backs of his rivals.
"I think that for many rivals we were difficult to stop. Next season we have to be more dangerous as a team," said the Pole, Pichichi of Barça with 42 goals in 24/25, his best year as a culé.
"This season the three of us have played very well together. We were the most dangerous forward line of all the teams in the world"