Barcelona‘s new director of soccer Deco says Lamine Yamal‘s emergence for membership and nation this season has taken him by shock.

Lamine Yamal, 16, grew to become the youngest participant to symbolize, rating and begin for Spain through the worldwide break. He got here off the bench on Friday, scoring in opposition to Georgia, after which performed for an hour in opposition to Cyprus on Tuesday.

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In August, he additionally grew to become the youngest participant to start out for Barça in LaLiga having beforehand made his first crew debut in April whereas nonetheless 15 years outdated.

“He is a player that has surprised us,” Deco mentioned on Wednesday in a information convention. “[Barça coach] Xavi has always said [about him] and that is why he handed him his debut last season.

“Lamine Yamal is a child along with his ft on the bottom. He has a unique high quality [to others]; he can contribute various things.

“We are in a situation at the club where we have a lot of young players in the team playing important roles, but he’s a boy of just 16, so we have to leave him to enjoy his football. We have to support him to ensure he keeps growing in the right manner.”

Deco, who was talking at his official presentation in his new function, additionally confirmed Barça hope to announce a brand new contract for Yamal quickly as a reward for his performances. Left-back Alejandro Balde, who like Yamal is represented by agent Jorge Mendes, can also be in line for a brand new deal.

“Both renewals are on track, you will have news soon I am sure,” Deco added. “They are young, important players who I am sure we will renew.”

Lamine Yamal, born in 2007, joined Barça in 2014 and made his debut in opposition to Real Betis in April. He then got here off the bench in Barça’s LaLiga opener in opposition to Getafe this season and began their subsequent three video games earlier than the worldwide break, producing a participant of the match efficiency within the 4-3 win over Villarreal.

At 16 years and 57 days outdated, he grew to become the youngest participant to play and rating for Spain on Friday in Georgia, taking each data from teammate Gavi, earlier than beginning Tuesday’s win over Cyprus in Granada.

Meanwhile, Deco says Barça boss Xavi, who he performed alongside at Camp Nou, can also be set to signal a brand new deal, along with his present phrases up on the finish of the season.

“He has earned the right to renew,” Deco mentioned. “When it’s [official], you’ll know. We are happy with him, not just because of the figure of Xavi, but because of Xavi the coach.

“He occurs to be probably the greatest gamers within the membership’s historical past, however he’s proving himself to be an important coach with what he has accomplished. I’m certain we are going to attain an settlement.”

Xavi took over on the finish of 2021 with Barça ninth in LaLiga, steering them to a second positioned end in 2021-22 after which successful the league final 12 months in his first full season in cost.