Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal comes out in defence of Lamine Yamal and referees | OneFootball

Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal has defended Barcelona star Lamine Yamal from criticism in the media, noting that he has plenty on his plate. He also noted the difficulty of refereeing while asked about some controversial decisions through the opening three matchdays.

Lamine Yamal came in for significant criticism for his off-field antics this summer, and early on has been accused of arrogance while on the pitch. Yet Carvajal declared that he deserved the benefit of the doubt.

“People have to understand that it’s complicated. He’s an 18-year-old kid who’s already a key player at a club like FC Barcelona, ​​which is one of the best in the world. He’s making a difference, he’s signed an important contract, his impact has increased dramatically, and well, in the end, it’s not easy to manage,” he told Cadena SER.

“He’ll make mistakes, like we all have. But, in the end, if you perform on the field, give it your all, and then have the quality he has, which is undeniable, then in the end he can be a player who can mark an era.”

Image via Rafa Babot/Getty Images

Carvajal refused to wade into the Ballon d’Or debate though, no doubt reminded of the online abuse, racial in the case of teammate David Alaba, that some of his colleagues have received for not selecting Real Madrid candidates.

“He could be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or, especially because of his youth. In the end, let’s not forget that he’s 18, and that I was at Castilla when I was 18, so it’s very difficult to make a difference at that age in professional football. Since I’m not going to vote, I’m not going to give it to anyone because I’m not the captain, so I’m off the hook.”

Luis de la Fuente also defends Lamine Yamal

Meanwhile Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has also attended to the media, and defended Lamine Yamal too. The Barcelona teenager later thanked him for his words.

“He’s earned it all. We have to value a kid who was already playing for the national team at 16. He’s under enormous media pressure; he has to work incredibly hard to keep up with the demands. He has to be an example both inside and outside of the team. He’s maturing, and we have to help him because he’s very young,” he reflected to the same outlet.

Image via Sergio Reyes Robledo / Sport

“He’s incredibly mature for an 18-year-old, but he needs to keep growing and maturing. It’s a natural process, and we’re here to help him. As a footballer, he’s brilliant, with natural talent and extraordinary talent. He knows perfectly well that if sacrifice and effort aren’t combined with that talent, he won’t be able to grow. He does. He works hard to improve every day. He’s very intelligent and grasps ideas very quickly, like a genius.”

Carvajal on refereeing controversy

Carvajal was also asked about some of the early refereeing controversy in La Liga, with Barcelona awarded a debatable penalty against Rayo Vallecano.

“It seems like a movement which is part of the game. I wouldn’t have called a penalty, but I wouldn’t have called a penalty against Balde in the Ciutat de Valencia game either,” he explained to Cadena Cope.

Real Madrid also saw a goal chalked off for an accidental handball by Arda Guler at the weekend, and Carvajal agreed with the decision.

“That’s a measure they explained to us: if it’s the same player and it’s an immediate play, even if your hand is stuck, and it hits your hand, it has to be disallowed. They explained that to us, and it has been applied as they explained it to us.”

Overall, his tone was conciliatory.

“We’ve had three matches underway, and there have been some dubious plays. Atletico’s goal was also a mistake because it was offside. Also at the Ciutat de Valencia with Balde’s handball, which in the end seems like a pretty natural position to me. There’s always going to be controversy, with or without VAR. I think we should all try to be positive, work in favour of what football is all about, and make it easy to keep these plays and these controversies to a minimum.”

This perhaps represents a shift in tone from Real Madrid compared to last season. Although the players themselves were largely keen to remain clear of controversy, Aurelien Tchouameni has also backed controversial decisions against his team too, acknowledging the Guler decision was correct.