Former coach of Lamine Yamal calls for Barcelona and Spain to manage teenager’s minutes next season

62. That’s the total number of matches Lamine Yamal has played for club and country since the start of the 2023-24 season last August. Appearance number 63 will come on Tuesday when he lines up for Spain against France in the Euro 2024 semi-final.

It’s an absurd number of matches for anyone to play in an 11-month period, but even so when taking into account that Lamine Yamal is only 16 years of age. It’s remarkable that he has not suffered any injuries, but going forward, his minutes must be managed to ensure that he stays injury-free.

That’s the view of Julen Guerrero, Lamine Yamal’s former Spain U17 manager. Speaking to MD, he called on Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation to reduce the youngster’s workload for next season.

“We’re going to see the second season of Lamine. I think that both Barcelona and the Federation have to measure the player’s management very well so that there is not an injury problems.”

Guerrero admitted to being in awe of Lamine Yamal’s performances over the last 11 months, although like many others, he wants expectation managed, so that the pressure does not increase on his young shoulders.

“You have to be very calm with him. He is making a lot of effort this season. He has played a lot for his club and for the national team. You have to be careful and patient.”

There’s no doubt that playing 63/64 matches every year is completely unsustainable for Lamine Yamal. No matter how important he is for Barcelona and Spain going forward, he cannot continue playing as often as he has done since August. If he does so, injury problems are inevitable – you only have to look at Pedri to understand that.