Karasko: No coach ever taught Lamine Yamal to play football

Lamine Yamal continues to draw praise after a string of standout performances for Barcelona and the Spain national team, prompting renewed discussion about the origins of his talent.

Coach who worked with him in youth ranks: genius born, not taught

Ivan Karasko, one of the coaches who trained Yamal in Barcelona's youth categories, told reporters this week that the player's gifts are innate rather than the product of coaching. Karasko described watching the 2006 and 2007 generations — including Kubarsi, Fort, Esparto, Toni Fernandez and others — and singled out Yamal for extraordinary natural ability.

Karasko praised Yamal's technical skills and game intelligence, noting that his first touch, dribbling and anticipation separate him from his peers. He said the youngster could beat several opponents and score in matches, and that even at training Yamal often seemed ahead of his teammates.

On Yamal's reading of the game, Karasko said: "His reading of the game and the ability to understand everything in a very short time are the most impressive. He is always decisive and very precise in his technical moves.

"Now he has also gained physical strength, so he can do even more, but even before that he changed the game. He has football in his head and understands what to do at every moment. No coach ever taught Lamine how to play football. He was born that way and it's that simple," Karasko added.

Karasko also warned that exceptional talents like Yamal should not be overburdened in youth football. "When we talk about Lamine, we talk about him on a completely different level from everyone else. He is a genius, and a genius must be handled appropriately, left alone and not overloaded. He should be given support and a favourable environment," he concluded.

Photo: FC Barcelona @FCBarcelona (X)