Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta has expressed his admiration for Lamine Yamal, describing the teenager’s extraordinary rise and level of performance at just 19 as something that is not normal in football.

Iniesta made the comments in an exclusive interview with Mundo Deportivo, where he discussed Barcelona, Spain, his emerging coaching career and the development of a new generation of footballers.

Asked whether it was normal for a 19-year-old to perform at Yamal’s current level, the former Barcelona midfielder gave a firm response.

“No, it’s not normal, because otherwise there would be more players capable of doing it.”

Iniesta added that what particularly impressed him was not only Yamal’s footballing ability but also his ambition and the natural way he appears to handle the demands placed on him at such a young age.

Iniesta impressed by Yamal’s mentality

For Iniesta, Yamal’s development cannot simply be explained by his age or statistics.

The former Spain international pointed to the winger’s ambition and the apparent ease with which he performs at the highest level.

He said the most impressive aspect is that Yamal appears to approach the game naturally despite already carrying significant expectations at Barcelona and with the Spanish national team.

Iniesta also noted that when Yamal’s achievements are considered in the context of his age, the future ahead of him appears particularly promising.

The Barcelona legend said:

“What’s beautiful and important about it is the ambition he has, how naturally everything comes to him.”

Yamal has already moved beyond being viewed simply as a promising academy graduate and has become an important part of Barcelona’s first-team attack.

A remarkable start to the season

Yamal's performances have attracted widespread attention during the opening stages of the current campaign.

According to current reports, the 19-year-old has scored seven goals in his first seven La Liga appearances this season. His form has further strengthened his status as one of Barcelona's leading attacking players.

His rise has been particularly striking because of how quickly he has moved from teenage prospect to established star.

At an age when many players are still attempting to establish themselves in senior football, Yamal is already expected to influence major matches for one of Europe's biggest clubs.

That development is precisely what Iniesta considers unusual.

Iniesta knows what exceptional young talent looks like

Iniesta is uniquely positioned to comment on Yamal's development.

During his own legendary Barcelona career, he shared the pitch with Lionel Messi and witnessed first-hand the emergence of a player who would eventually become one of the greatest footballers in history.

His assessment of Yamal therefore carries particular significance because he has experienced the development of exceptional young talent from inside Barcelona's first team.

Iniesta did not suggest that Yamal's career will necessarily follow Messi's path. Instead, his comments focused on the rarity of seeing a player reach such a high level so early.

The former midfielder said that if Yamal's current level were normal for his age, there would be many more players capable of achieving something similar.

The challenge is now to maintain the level

Despite his praise, Iniesta also offered an important reminder about the demands that come with early success.

Yamal has already won major trophies at a remarkably young age, but Iniesta believes that the next challenge is continuing to perform and win year after year.

According to the Barcelona legend, footballers cannot simply rely on what they have already achieved.

The standard must be maintained every season.

Iniesta explained that players who have already won important trophies at a young age face the challenge of reproducing that success throughout their careers.

That could prove particularly important for Yamal as expectations around him continue to grow.

Barcelona's new generation

Iniesta also praised the current Barcelona side and said he enjoys watching both the club and the Spanish national team.

He highlighted the talent, chemistry and understanding of the game within the current generation.

The former midfielder believes there is a clear connection between today's Barcelona players and the footballing identity established by previous generations.

He said young players have grown up watching earlier Barcelona teams and have absorbed elements of the style that made the club and Spain so successful.

Yamal is one of the clearest examples of that continuing Barcelona connection.

Iniesta also praises Rodri

During the interview, Iniesta also discussed Barcelona's midfield and the arrival of Rodri.

The former Spain midfielder believes Rodri can raise Barcelona's level because of his experience, understanding of the game and ability to influence matches.

Iniesta said that having a player like Rodri, particularly when he is performing at his best, can take a team “to another level.”

His comments come as Barcelona continue to pursue success domestically and in Europe.

Iniesta begins coaching career

The interview also provided an insight into Iniesta's own next chapter.

After retiring from professional football, the 42-year-old has begun his coaching career and is currently working as head coach of Gulf United in the UAE's second division.

He told Mundo Deportivo that he is enjoying working with players, preparing for matches and analysing what his team does well and where improvements are required.

Iniesta is also continuing his coaching qualifications and said he expects to begin the final stage for his Pro licence in October.

Asked whether he could eventually coach Barcelona, Iniesta said fate would determine what happens.

He acknowledged that coaching Barcelona would be special because of what the club means to him, but said it is not currently a specific goal.

Yamal's next challenge

Iniesta's comments underline just how quickly expectations around Yamal have changed.

The Barcelona winger is no longer being discussed solely as a young talent with potential. His performances have already placed him among the players expected to make a significant contribution at the highest level.

But with that recognition comes greater pressure.

Iniesta's message is effectively one of admiration combined with a warning: Yamal's current achievements are extraordinary, but sustaining them over many seasons will be the real test.

For now, however, the Barcelona legend remains impressed by what he is seeing.

At 19, Yamal is already producing performances that Iniesta considers highly unusual — and the former midfielder believes the most exciting part may be what the youngster still has ahead of him.

Source: Africasoccer