According to former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, superstar attacker Lamine Yamal would not make the starting XI of his generation. Pique, the great centre-back who won many titles with the club and the Spanish national team, is the first guest on a new podcast hosted by his old opponent from El Clasico, retired Real Madrid custodian Iker Casillas.
The podcast’s first episode shows the two former footballers candidly discussing their playing days and modern football. Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona winger who has become a vital player, was a highlight of their chat.
Yamal is considered one of the finest talents of his generation after winning the Golden Boy title as the world’s best under-21 footballer and helping Spain win Euro 2024.
Pique thought Yamal had fewer opportunities in their day. “My feeling is that Lamine Yamal would not be playing in our generation,” he told Mundo Deportivo.
He did not explain whether he meant Barcelona or the Spanish national team, but both had considerable overlaps during their prime years. In addition to discussing rising prospects, the two former players discussed Barcelona and Real Madrid’s fierce rivalry.
More than a decade ago, El Clasico matches were typically tense on and off the pitch. Pique admitted that those encounters occasionally had significant tensions between the two teams.
“When lines are crossed that should never be crossed, I don’t agree,” he said.
