According to a report by Barca Universal on Friday, October 16, 2026, former Barcelona youth coach Ivan Carrasco has praised Lamine Yamal for displaying outstanding football ability from an early age, explaining that the winger’s talent and understanding of the game made him stand out among other young players at the club’s academy.

Carrasco, who worked with Barcelona’s 2006 and 2007 youth generations, shared his assessment of Yamal during an interview with Mundo Deportivo. He also coached several other players who have progressed through the club’s youth system, including Pau Cubarsi, Marc Bernal, Hector Fort, Xavi Espart and Marc Guiu.

Reflecting on his experience with Yamal, Carrasco explained that the young winger showed qualities that went beyond what could be developed through regular training. He said Yamal’s technical ability, dribbling and finishing were impressive, but his intelligence and ability to make decisions quickly were equally important.

According to the former coach, Yamal could recognise different situations on the pitch and choose the right response without wasting time. This understanding of the game helped him create opportunities, overcome opponents and influence matches even when competing against players of a similar age.

Carrasco’s comments highlight the importance of allowing talented young footballers to express themselves rather than placing too many restrictions on their playing style. He believes players with exceptional ability need the right environment to develop their strengths and become more effective as they gain experience.

Yamal’s development also reflects Barcelona’s long-standing focus on youth football through its academy, which has produced several players who have progressed to the senior team. Carrasco’s experience working with the young winger gives an insight into the qualities that coaches look for when identifying prospects capable of reaching the highest level.

The former youth coach also spoke positively about Cubarsi, describing the defender as a mature young player who demonstrated strong leadership and communication skills during his time at the academy.

Carrasco further discussed Bernal’s development, explaining that the midfielder initially played in a more advanced central role before gradually adapting to the defensive midfield position. With Xavi Espart already playing regularly in that area, the coaching staff explored other options to give both players opportunities to develop.

One of the adjustments involved deploying Bernal at right-back, allowing the coaches to manage the available positions while exposing him to a different role on the pitch.

Carrasco’s assessment provides a glimpse into the work involved in developing Barcelona’s young players. His comments suggest that natural talent, tactical awareness, adaptability and proper coaching all play important roles in preparing youngsters for senior football.

For Yamal, the former coach’s observations underline the qualities he displayed before establishing himself in Barcelona’s first team. They also show how early recognition and the right development environment can help talented players progress through the ranks.