Barcelona scouting staff member in Italy opens up on role – ‘Looking for a new Lamine Yamal’

Barcelona’s resurgence this season owes a lot to several factors that have worked well in cohesion. One of the biggest ones, however, is the academy.

La Masia has churned out some elite talents in recent years and several of the players Hansi Flick trusts as regulars are homegrown stars including Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Marc Casado, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi.

Running a successful academy and churning up such elite talents, needless to say, largely depends on the scouts Barcelona have.

Andrea Mancini, son of famous manager Roberto Mancini, is one such crucial member who joined the club in the summer as a scout for Barcelona in Italy.

Mancini speaks on his role

Speaking to the media in a recent interaction, Mancini spoke about his role at the club, how he joined Barcelona and a plethora of other topics related to La Masia.

He began by taking a trip down memory lane and looking back to how he was approached by Joan Laporta’s son.

“It was a unique opportunity, impossible to say no. We had been in contact for a few years. I know Laporta’s son well and this summer he called me to ask me if I might be interested in the project.”

“Then we worked in synergy in the operation that led Pedrola to Sampdoria. Of course, I accepted the offer and came here,” he added on the manoeuvre that saw him move to Catalonia.

Speaking on his role for Barcelona in scouting new young talents, he said: “I take care of the market in Italy. Deco needed a figure to act as a ‘link’ between Italy and Barcelona.”

“I’m going to watch many games both here and in our country and then I’ll talk to the director. He always has the last word, obviously,” he added.

He then explained his job in very simple terms, saying: “I made a very big leap, but things are going well. I’m looking for a new Lamine Yamal.”

Mancini then opened up about Barcelona’s goal with La Masia and how the club makes a conscious effort to ensure that the academy is given enough prominence.

“The club’s challenge is to get at least 4 or 5 children from La Masía to enter the first team every year. And the challenge is fulfilled every year.”

He also praised Lamine Yamal for the elite level he is showing at 17 years of age.

“Look at Yamal, it’s easy to say, but it’s been three years. He will become stronger than everyone, even Messi.“

He even gave his two cents on the next upcoming generation of talents including Toni Fernandez and showered praise on the winger.

“Among the guys who are now making their way into the first team, if I have to name one I would say Toni Fernandez. He is 16 years old, he has already made his debut and has everything to be a champion,” he said.

Finally, Mancini praised his colleague Bojan Krkic and elaborated on what the former Barcelona player brought to the table for La Masia.

“It is a privilege for children that someone like him explains to them what it means to grow up and play in this club. It’s in his DNA. His story also has a lot to teach.”

“The psychological aspect, knowing how to manage pressure and knowing how to help children. I’m also learning a lot from a figure like him,” he added.

Source: AS