Barcelona president Laporta explains why Lamine Yamal deserves his own legacy: ‘What makes him extraordinary is…’

Barcelona president Laporta explains why Lamine Yamal deserves his own legacy: ‘What makes him extraordinary is…’ Barcelona president Joan Laporta has delivered another glowing assessment of Lamine Yamal , describing the 19-year-old as a genius while highlighting his exceptional maturity and understanding of the game.  However, rather than placing the youngster directly alongside Lionel Messi and Johan Cruyff, Laporta believes Yamal deserves the opportunity to establish his own identity and create a legacy at Barcelona. Speaking in an interview discussing the historic relationship between Barcelona and Ajax, Laporta also reflected on the influence of Cruyff, the importance of La Masia and the club’s ambition to compete for every major trophy.  Laporta explains why Lamine is different from Messi and Cruyff Laporta acknowledged that comparisons between Barcelona’s greatest footballing figures and Yamal are inevitable, but insisted that each belongs to a different era. “Each of them is unique and belongs to a different era. Lionel defined a generation, whilst Johan changed the history of both football and Barça,” he began saying. He subsequently explained what makes the teenage forward so special. “He deserves the chance to write his own story and build his own legacy. He is a genius, a very special footballer, with extraordinary technical skills, creativity and an exceptional ability to get past opponents.  “What makes him even more extraordinary is his maturity and his understanding of the game at such a young age.” Laporta also stressed the club’s responsibility towards its academy graduate, adding, Laporta has nothing but praise for Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) “We are incredibly proud that a player of his calibre has come through La Masia and embodies Barça’s values, identity and footballing philosophy.  “Our responsibility is to protect him, support his development and create the right sporting environment around him so that he can realise his enormous potential.” He concluded his praise by saying, “As president, I am immensely proud of Lamine, both as a footballer and as a person.” Barcelona president explains La Masia philosophy Beyond Yamal’s individual qualities, Laporta explained that Barcelona’s success must be measured through both trophies and the footballing identity they demonstrate. “At FC Barcelona, our ambition is always to compete for every title – an expectation deeply rooted in our history and our identity.  “Our aim is to be in the running right up to the very end in La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.” He also emphasised that winning alone is not enough to define the club’s sporting project. “Success is not measured solely by titles. The way we play is also of great importance.  Joan Laporta also explained Barcelona’s philosophy. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “We want a team that embodies our footballing identity through attractive, attacking and courageous football, so that our members and supporters can feel proud.” The president then identified the development of academy graduates as another important measure of progress, highlighting Messi and Yamal as examples of La Masia’s contribution to Barcelona’s history. “The development of young talent and the ongoing integration of players from La Masia are also key indicators of the project’s success”. Johan Cruyff is the connection between Barcelona and Ajax Laporta also reflected on the relationship between Barcelona and Ajax, describing Cruyff as the central figure connecting their footballing philosophies. “Ajax and Barça share a unique history, in which Johan Cruyff is the great link between the two clubs,” he noted. Reflecting on Cruyff’s influence, he explained, “He taught us that you can win by doing things right, striving for excellence and choosing to be the best rather than simply the first. “ Lastly, Laporta added that this philosophy is visible in the current squad, particularly through Frenkie de Jong. “Today, Frenkie de Jong continues that tradition. He embodies the talent, footballing intelligence and style of play that have united Ajax and FC Barcelona for so many years,” he concluded. Source: Mundo Deportivo