Lamine Yamal 'can mark a new era' after becoming Barcelona's youngest ever La Liga player

Barcelona manager Xavi believes Lamine Yamal "can mark a new era" after the 15-year-old became the youngest player in the club's history to play in La Liga.

Yamal was brought on late during Barcelona's 4-0 win over Real Betis at Camp Nou – a victory which moves the Catalans a step closer to a first league title since 2019.

Barca said Yamal, who was born in Spain to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, was their second youngest player of all time, behind Albert Almasque in 1902 who played in the Macaya cup at 13 years, 11 months and six days old.

The winger replaced Gavi with four minutes plus stoppage time remaining to make his debut at 15 years, nine months and 16 days old.

"He's got innate talent in the final third which is difficult to find," Xavi told reporters. "He doesn't seem like he's 15 years old, he's more mature than his years. I've seen him train and he's showed it.

"He played 10 minutes, but did well, he can mark an era at the club."

Yamal had a shot on target during a bright cameo as Barcelona restored their 11 point lead at the top of the table.

Xavi agreed with comparisons to Lionel Messi and Ansu Fati, who also make their debuts at young ages for the club.

"I told him to try things and he did," Xavi told Movistar. "At 15 years old, just imagine it. He's a special player, he could score, assist, he had confidence. When you see it in training you realise he could be big."

Yamal also created a chance for Ousmane Dembele with a scooped pass over the top for the French winger.

Raphinha, who scored Barcelona's third goal against Betis, said the squad were all talking about Yamal's debut.

"We were talking about this on the bench, when I was 15 I think I was playing for my neighbourhood team,"