Barcelona made 15-year-old attacker Lamine Yamal their youngest La Liga player on Saturday in their 4-0 victory over Real Betis.
The Catalan club claims he was their second-youngest player, following Albert Almasque in 1902, who participated in the Macaya cup aged 13 years, 11 months, and six days.
The 15-year-old winger replaced Gavi with four minutes and stoppage time left.
“He’s got innate talent in the final third which is difficult to find,” Xavi told reporters.
“He’s advanced for his age. He’s trained.
“He played 10 minutes, but did well, he can mark an era at the club.”
Yamal scored in a dazzling cameo as Barcelona maintained their 11-point advantage at the top.
Xavi agreed with similarities to youthful club debutants Lionel Messi and Ansu Fati.
“I told him to try things and he did,” Xavi told Movistar.
At 15, imagine. He scored, assisted, and had confidence.
“Training shows he could be big.”
Yamal scooped an over-the-top pass for Ousmane Dembele.
Raphinha, who scored Barcelona’s third goal against Betis, stated the team discussed Yamal’s debut.
“We were talking about this on the bench, when I was 15 I think I was playing for my neighbourhood team,” Barca winger Raphinha told Movistar.
“Seeing him come on in this stadium with all these fans is unbelievable.
“It would have been better if he scored, but he will score at a better moment and be very important for the club.”