At just 15, Lamine Yamal is already training with the Barcelona first team - and was part of the squad for Sunday’s LaLiga win over Atlético Madrid.

He is the youngest player ever  to be included in a Barça matchday squad, beating Ansu Fati’s record.  Ansu got his first call-up at 16.

Barça boss Xavi has heaped praise  on Yamal. “He has personality, a great final ball, and is physically strong. He could go down in history at this club.”

The forward plays for Barça’s  Under-19s. This season, he has  scored eight times in 28  appearances for the youth side.

Yamal is a highly versatile  player, blessed with traits that  allow him to operate anywhere  across the forward line.

“He’s a player with a difference,  a natural talent,” Xavi says. “He  has enormous self-confidence. I  can’t think of anyone like him.”

Yamal has been let down by his lack of maturity in the past, earning a reprimand from the Spanish FA while on Spain Under-17s duty.

In the end, Yamal didn’t get on for his debut at the Camp Nou this weekend, but he could be seen warming up out on the pitch, sporting No. 41.

His current deal expires in 2024  and Barça are at pains to avoid him leaving. They’re in talks with his  agent about his first pro contract.

Yamal has made a huge splash  at the Catalan giants, and his new  deal is expected to include a  mammoth release clause.