FC Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski praises rising star Lamine Yamal

Yamal has already become the league's second-highest assist provider this season, trailing only teammate Raphinha, while Lewandowski tops the scoring charts.

The Polish striker recently spoke about Yamal's extraordinary talent during an interview with Rio Ferdinand. Recalling his first impression of the youngster, Lewandowski said: "He was only 15 when I first saw him, and I thought, 'Wow.' It's unbelievable to be this good and this intelligent at such a young age."

Lewandowski, 35, acknowledges his role in guiding the 16-year-old winger. "I try to offer him advice whenever I can," he shared. "What he's doing now is incredible, but the real challenge lies ahead - maintaining this level for the next decade or more. It's not about the next two or three years; it's about staying at the top until he's 28, 29, or even beyond."

In the same interview, Lewandowski revealed he nearly joined Manchester United during his Borussia Dortmund days. He recounted a pivotal phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson: "It was during pre-season. I was nervous, especially with his Scottish accent, but I told him, 'Yes, I'd love to join Manchester United.'"

However, Dortmund blocked the move. "The club president told me I was too important to let go. They simply wouldn't sell me," Lewandowski recalled.

Reflecting on his time at Bayern Munich, Lewandowski also offered insights into working under Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.

He praised Guardiola's tactical brilliance but noted room for improvement: "Pep is incredibly focused on football, but I feel he could have been more open and human with us. Those small details can make the difference in big games."

In contrast, Ancelotti's approach stood out for its warmth. "He's like a father, you can talk to him about anything. Klopp, on the other hand, knows exactly when to be tough and when to be your friend. They're all unique in their own way," he said.

Lewandowski's reflections underscore his illustrious career and role as a mentor for Barcelona's next generation, with Yamal leading the charge.

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