An insight into the extent of the growth spurt enjoyed by Barcelona star Lamine Yamal over the course of the last year has been forthcoming this afternoon.
The info comes by way of Relevo, who have revealed that, remarkably, the winger has gotten a full 10 centimetres taller between the ages of 15 and 16.
Yamal has of course enjoyed a stunning rise to prominence in Catalunya’s capital, since his initial explosion onto the scene late last season.
Recent weeks in particular, though, have seen excitement surrounding his potential reach new heights altogether.
Afforded a consistent run of starts owing to the injury absence of Raphinha, the Spanish international has taken full advantage, making the right flank his own courtesy of a staggering blend of touch, pace, dribbling ability and finished product.
And as much comes, in no small part, thanks to the new-found physical tools afforded to Yamal by way of his growth spurt.
Speaking to Relevo this week, Dr. Eduard Alentorn, a traumatologist at the Cugat Institute, provided an insight into the situation of the Barcelona prodigy.
Having been visited by Yamal himself on more than one occasion in the past, Alentorn has assured that his sudden jump in stature is not abnormal for a boy of his age:
“This growth is normal and frequent in 16-year-old children. They still have immature bones. It would be more strange if he grew another 10 centimeters from now on.”
He continued:
“Currently, the physical and muscular preparation is not so brutal that it can suffer despite its explosion at an unusual age. There are other sports in which strength is worked on much more in the gym. Lamine’s minutes and Xavi’s dosage should have nothing to do with his muscles. Now he is playing a lot. If he is tired I understand that it is due to pressure issues, but not because of a muscular issue.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
