Wojciech Szczesny sees no 'red flags' in Lamine Yamal's behaviour on or off the field and compares the Barcelona teen to Neymar.
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Szczesny praises Yamal’s unique personalityWarns against putting pressure on young starsBarcelona renew Yamal’s contract until 2031Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Szczesny has spoken publicly about Barca wonderkid Yamal’s off-field behaviour, dismissing claims that the 17-year-old is showing any “red flags.” On the veteran goalkeeper compared Yamal’s personality to Neymar’s, urging the footballing world to let the teenager enjoy the game rather than over-scrutinising his personal choices.
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Yamal has had a spectacular season with 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 games for Barca, but has also made headlines for partying with Neymar while on holiday. Some critics claim fame might be getting to him, but Szczesny insists that personality and flair are part of what makes the Spanish wonderkid so special, much like Neymar. He added that such players should be supported, not micromanaged.
WHAT SZCZESNY SAID
The Polish international insists there’s no cause for alarm and drew comparisons with the Brazilian hero: "I believe everyone has their own path, and as of today, I don't see anything in Lamine Yamal that would raise a red flag. I believe his approach to football, to life, makes him the player he is. It's a bit like you can't change a person's temperament. Someone today might say, for example, that Neymar could have achieved much more in football if he had a different attitude. If Neymar had a different attitude to football, to life, he wouldn't be the Neymar who puts on such a show."
He added: "I believe that such personalities shouldn't be put under too much pressure, but rather be attentive and let them enjoy their football. Their joy is contagious not only to their teammates but also to millions of people around the world who are about to fall in love with football. I think this is more the role of Yamal's entourage than of him himself. The boy is still 17 and has the right, and perhaps even the obligation, to make youthful mistakes. Let's hope that if he does, it won't be without major consequences. His surroundings will certainly be important to him," he noted on the Foot Truck channel.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR YAMAL?
Yamal, who recently agreed to sign a new deal until 2031, will now look to build on coming strong as the pre-season is approaching. While the Barca forward continues to develop on the pitch under Hansi Flick, the club will aim to strike the right balance between encouraging his personality and shielding him from external pressure.
