Robert Lewandowski, the seasoned striker for Barcelona, has issued a stern warning to his young teammate Lamine Yamal amidst the growing hype surrounding the talented winger. In a recent interview, Lewandowski emphasized the importance of mental strength and cautioned Yamal about the challenges that come with early success in football.
Lewandowski, who has been a mentor to Yamal since the teenager’s debut last year, praised the young player’s exceptional talent but stressed that talent alone is not enough to sustain a long and successful career. If someone has talent, they can use it until they are 23 or 24 years old, but later on talent alone is not enough. You need a mindset,” Lewandowski said.
The Polish striker’s comments come at a time when Yamal has been making headlines for his impressive performances on the field. The 17-year-old has quickly become a key player for Barcelona, drawing comparisons to some of the club’s legendary wingers. His rapid rise to prominence has also attracted significant media attention, which Lewandowski believes can be both a blessing and a curse.
Lewandowski highlighted the importance of guidance and support from Yamal’s entourage to ensure that he develops not only as a player but also as a person. “His entourage is important, and he should not think about what will happen to him in two or three years, but that he will be at the highest level in ten years’ time,” Lewandowski advised.
The veteran forward also warned about the potential downsides of financial success at such an early age. “Money can also weaken a player. We are human. Also, let’s remember external stimuli. When I started it was different. You waited until Monday for the newspaper to come out and that was it, the internet was still in its infancy and it worked differently,” Lewandowski said. “That’s why, although Lamine’s talent is unquestionable, a series of decisions made by him and his entourage is important so that in ten years’ time he will still want more.”
Despite his concerns, Lewandowski has nothing but admiration for Yamal’s abilities. “I haven’t seen anyone like him. It’s not just talent, but playing like I’m five or seven years older,” he revealed. Lewandowski recalled the first time he saw Yamal train with the senior team when the young winger was just 15 years old. “I asked him his age, he told me fifteen and I replied that it was impossible,” Lewandowski said.
The relationship between Lewandowski and Yamal has not been without its challenges. Reports have emerged of a heated exchange between the two during a recent match against Sevilla, where Yamal’s decision to shoot instead of passing the ball led to a confrontation with Lewandowski. The Polish striker reprimanded Yamal for not thinking about the team and taking too much pressure on himself.
Lewandowski’s warning to Yamal is part of a broader effort to ensure that the young player develops a strong mentality and remains focused on his long-term goals. The veteran forward believes that Yamal has the potential to become one of the best players in the world, but only if he continues to work hard and stay grounded.
As Barcelona continues its journey under manager Hansi Flick, the club will rely heavily on the contributions of both Lewandowski and Yamal. The duo’s partnership on the field has been instrumental in the team’s success, and their ability to work together will be crucial in the coming seasons.
In conclusion, Robert Lewandowski’s warning to Lamine Yamal highlights the importance of mental strength and guidance for young players. While Yamal’s talent is undeniable, Lewandowski believes that his success will depend on his ability to develop a strong mindset and make the right decisions both on and off the field. As Barcelona looks to the future, the partnership between Lewandowski and Yamal will be key to the club’s continued success.
