Retired Actual Madrid legend Toni Kroos has issued a robust message {of professional} warning and steering to soon-to-be 18-year-old Barcelona celebrity Lamine Yamal, reminding the prodigy that expertise alone isn’t sufficient to maintain an extended, profitable profession in soccer.
Kroos, who confronted Yamal at each membership stage and through Euro 2024, significantly in Germany’s heartbreaking quarter-final loss to Spain, which turned out to be the ultimate match of his illustrious profession, had glowing reward for the teenage sensation.
Softfootball confirmed that Toni Kroos had an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the place the German midfield icon acknowledged Yamal’s extraordinary potential however warned {that a} true legacy is constructed on consistency, self-discipline, and resilience not simply brilliance.
“I additionally made the Bayern first staff at 17, however I wasn’t at his stage, which is spectacular. I’ve by no means seen something prefer it at that age,”
Kroos stated.
“I’m speaking in regards to the consistency of his performances, as a result of the pure expertise is apparent. What makes me suppose this boy is particular is his fixed seek for prominence on the pitch: in tough moments, he at all times steps up, and at 17 years of age, that’s not regular. He was the protagonist of two wonderful seasons the final one even spectacular. I’ve by no means seen a child like him.”
However the 34-year-old didn’t cease at admiration. He added a sobering reminder:
“I at all times say {that a} profession is just not a dash, however a marathon. We’ll see what occurs within the subsequent 5–10 seasons if he continues to develop, and the way he reacts to every thing that comes from outdoors soccer.
Success doesn’t solely rely upon the pitch. What occurs outdoors has a huge impact, and it’s important to know the best way to deal with totally different points of life.”
Yamal, who will flip 18 on July 12, is reportedly getting ready an unique birthday celebration in Ibiza, as beforehand revealed by Softfootball. The Spanish sensation is ready to return to motion as an grownup, anticipated to steer Barcelona’s frontline once more alongside Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
Nevertheless, the stress will solely improve any more. As he transitions into maturity, followers and pundits will count on him to keep up his distinctive requirements and proceed to ship match-winning performances persistently.
With Toni Kroos’ clever phrases ringing within the background, Lamine Yamal now faces the subsequent chapter of his profession, the place sustaining focus, managing exterior distractions, and sustaining his kind might be simply as necessary because the breathtaking expertise he continues to showcase.
