‘I’m 16 and running the show for Barca – I don’t get scared but mum is nervous’

At just 16 years and 45 days, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal broke a La Liga record while shining on only his second start for the club.

Born in July of 2007, Yamal has been thrust into first-team proceedings by Xavi after impressing for their B side last season – and has repaid that faith instantaneously.

Having started in their win over Cadiz last weekend, he played a central role and set-up two goals in their 4-3 triumph over Villarreal – taking the record of youngest assister in the 21st century from team-mate Ansu Fati.

Yamal's deep cross was headed in by fellow teenager Gavi for the opener, with Frenkie De Jong making it two before the hosts rallied. Goals from former Premier League stars Juan Foyth and Alexander Sorloth levelled the tie before Alex Baena gave Quique Setien's side the lead.

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Ferran Torres levelled things up before Yamal's late strike cannoned back off the post for Lewandowski to win it for Xavi's men late on.

Yamal said after being named man of the match: "Luckily, I don’t get scared. I try to forget about that and play football, which is what I’m good at. My mother does get nervous when I’m a starter, but she supports me a lot."

Xavi's side, who won the title in style last season, have been boosted by the emergence of the youngster after Ousmane Dembele's move to PSG.

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In his post-match press conference, Xavi said of Yamal: "He is extraordinary. He is surprising us all and continuing to grow.

"The growth he showed today was impressive. He was given the start because we believe he is capable of making a difference.

"He is very humble, he works hard and he likes football. He is smart, and he makes good decisions. Lamine Yamal’s decision making is almost always correct and right.

"That’s surprising for someone who just turned 16 years old. I hope he will be here for many years at Barca because I think he is a player who can define an era, but let's take it easy."

The era-defining comment is sure to put pressure on the young shoulders of Yamal, but he has the full support of both his manager – and his mother.

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