Former Barcelona prospect Bojan Krkic helps Lamine Yamal overcome pressure

It has been a spectacular season so far for Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal. Just 16 years old, the La Masia graduate has become a regular starter for the Blaugrana under Xavi Hernandez.

The teenage sensation has put himself ahead of the likes of Raphinha and Ferran Torres in the pecking order and has produced a return of six goals and seven assists from 38 matches in all competitions.

Yamal’s explosive performances have earned him praise from all quarters, with comparisons being drawn to the GOAT Lionel Messi himself.

Beyond that, there is also talk of the 16-year-old sensation being handed the #10 jersey worn by the Argentine icon next season.

Bojan helping Lamine Yamal

All this stardom and spotlight is unlikely to be easy to deal with for Lamine, given that he is just 16 and is in the nascent stages of his career.

As such, the La Masia graduate is receiving help from another Barcelona academy alumni, Bojan Krkic.

Indeed, sources inform Barça Universal that Bojan, who himself was exposed to undue pressure and expectations when he burst onto the scenes, has taken it upon himself to ensure that Yamal does not go through the same problems.

Bojan (L) works as Barcelona’s football co-ordinator. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

Bojan, when he broke into the Barça senior setup, was relentlessly compared to Messi and the pressure got the better of the former forward to the extent that he ended up missing national team tournaments due to anxiety issues.

Following his retirement last year, Bojan was brought into the club administration as the football co-ordinator.

As part of his duties, the former La Masia man not only tracks the progress of the players currently away on loan, but also helps youngsters transition from the youth and reserves to the senior team.

Having gone through the grind himself, Bojan knows and understands what is needed and has taken it upon himself to help Lamine as well as other young talents to ensure that they are not overawed by the spotlight and the pressure.