Marc Cucurella has opened up about the challenges of facing Barcelona’s young sensation, Lamine Yamal, in training. The defender admitted that Yamal’s unpredictability makes him a nightmare to mark. Cucurella revealed that the coaching staff often pairs him against Yamal, turning training sessions into a tough defensive battle. The Spaniard joked that Yamal has become a constant thorn in his side. Despite the frustration, Cucurella emphasized that his priority is never to hurt the teenager.
However, he acknowledged that stopping Yamal is nearly impossible due to his exceptional dribbling and creativity. The left-back praised Yamal’s vast skill set, noting that his quick feet and decision-making keep defenders guessing. Cucurella admitted that Yamal’s rapid development has made him one of the toughest opponents he’s faced. Fortunately for Cucurella, he only has to deal with Yamal in training for now.
However, he acknowledged that the youngster’s talent suggests he’ll soon be terrorizing defenders in competitive matches as well. Yamal’s rise at Barcelona has been meteoric, with the 16-year-old already making a significant impact in the first team. His performances have drawn comparisons to some of the club’s greatest wingers. Cucurella’s comments highlight the respect Yamal commands within the squad. Despite his age, the winger’s ability to unsettle experienced defenders speaks volumes about his potential. As Yamal continues to develop, opponents across Europe may soon share Cucurella’s struggles.
For now, though, the defender can take solace in the fact that their battles remain behind closed doors. Barcelona fans will be eager to see Yamal carry his training-ground form into official matches, where his flair and fearlessness could become a defining feature of the team’s attack.