Lamine Yamal reveals the two Barça stars who have made the biggest impression on him

In a Barcelona side brimming with talent and youthful exuberance, it’s easy to get swept away by the dazzling footwork of Lamine Yamal, the wizardry of Pedri, or the energy of Raphinha. Yet, amidst the hype and spotlight, some essential figures continue to work quietly in the shadows, playing vital roles that often go unnoticed by the general public.

This week, Lamine Yamal, the teenage prodigy who has taken La Liga by storm, surprised fans and media alike by stepping forward to shed light on two of his teammates he believes deserve far more recognition than they receive.

Speaking during a press conference ahead of their weekend clash, Yamal made a rare but mature statement, saying:
“Apart from Pedri, Raphinha and all the others that everyone recognizes as incredible, there is Iñigo and Frenkie. People don’t value them enough, but they are essential. They are having a remarkable season.”

It was a moment of genuine appreciation from a youngster wise beyond his years—showing his awareness not just of the game but of the balance within a team. The players he referred to—Iñigo Martínez and Frenkie de Jong—may not always be the headline-makers, but their importance in Xavi’s (and now Flick’s) system has been immense.

Iñigo Martínez, the veteran Spanish defender who joined Barcelona from Athletic Bilbao, has provided calm and assurance at the back. Despite dealing with injuries early on, he has emerged as a reliable presence in a defense that has had its fair share of turbulence this season.

Martínez’s ability to read the game, cover spaces left by overlapping fullbacks, and mentor younger defenders like Pau Cubarsí has been invaluable. His leadership on and off the pitch has helped maintain composure during high-pressure moments.

Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch midfield maestro, has continued to operate with his usual elegance and efficiency. While he may not always grab the headlines with goals or assists, his role as the deep-lying orchestrator cannot be overstated.

Whether it’s transitioning the ball from defense to attack or breaking opposition lines with his dribbles, Frenkie remains a critical cog in Barcelona’s engine room. His understanding with Pedri and Gündoğan gives the midfield a perfect blend of youth, experience, and tactical balance.

Yamal’s praise is especially significant given that many young stars focus only on attacking flair and scoring contributions. His comments highlight an appreciation of the full scope of football and team dynamics, where not all heroes wear capes—or score screamers.

What makes Frenkie and Iñigo stand out this season is also their adaptability. With injuries and suspensions forcing frequent tactical reshuffles, both players have shown the intelligence and professionalism to adjust and deliver wherever they are deployed.

For de Jong, there have been games where he’s operated almost as a third centre-back, and others where he’s advanced to support the attack. In all roles, he’s maintained his high standards, proving once again why Barça fought so hard to keep him amid interest from Manchester United and others.

Iñigo, on the other hand, has quietly become a leader in the dressing room. Despite not being a product of La Masia, he has earned the respect of teammates with his professionalism and commitment to the club’s values.

The acknowledgment from Yamal also reflects the changing culture at Barça. It’s a club now embracing humility, unity, and mutual respect—values that Hansi Flick is reinforcing as he builds for the long term.

This kind of recognition goes beyond footballing ability—it’s about influence, work ethic, and presence. For young stars like Yamal to observe and publicly appreciate that speaks volumes about the mentorship quietly happening behind closed doors.

As Barcelona continues to chase silverware domestically and in Europe, players like Iñigo and Frenkie may very well be the unsung pillars that hold the team together. They are not flashy, but they’re consistent—the kind of consistency title-winning teams are built upon.

Yamal’s tribute is a reminder that football is more than individual brilliance. It’s about understanding the value of every role on the pitch. In an era of viral clips and social media obsession, it’s refreshing to see a rising star honor those who shine in silence.

In the grand narrative of FC Barcelona’s season, much will be written about goal scorers and match-winners. But Lamine Yamal has ensured that when the history of this campaign is told, Iñigo Martínez and Frenkie de Jong won’t be forgotten.

Their contribution may not be found in highlight reels, but it will be remembered in the hearts of those who truly understand the beautiful game.