"It's unlikely Yamal will last 20 years" - Lewandowski insists Barcelona star will not reign for long

The Polish goal machine, in his characteristic fashion, quickly silenced critics with 103 goals and 20 assists in 150 appearances for the Blaugrana over three seasons since joining the Spanish champions.

He's secured two league titles, claimed La Liga's Golden Boot, and added a Copa del Rey and two Supercopa trophies to his cabinet – quite the haul for a veteran. He even contributed another goal in the weekend's 6-0 rout of Valencia.

What also makes Lewandowski unique is the stark contrast he embodies. He's one of the oldest players in Europe's top five leagues, yet he plays for one of the continent's youngest teams. He often feels like a "dad" among Barcelona's youngsters, who are already terrorising rivals in La Liga and Europe.

An interview with "The Times", via Abola, began with him discussing this mentoring role. "In the past, shouting was a way to motivate. Now, if you shout too much, the reaction from young players is different. They don't like to be shouted at. I have to admit, it was a huge challenge for me.

"I came from a different generation and had to learn how to get the best out of them. I've been in football for four decades, and when I compare the young guard, not just to my generation, but also to the one in between, it was completely different from when I started. When you shout at them, they don't react by trying to prove you wrong.

"No, you have to explain things to them differently. You have to talk a lot. They don't like to be shouted at. Today, you have to focus more on the mental side of football. This isn't just the case with footballers, but with people of the new generation in general. I didn't want to fight against it; I wanted to learn." - Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona boasts a plethora of young talents, from Gavi, Cubarsí, and Balde, to Pedri, and the most talked-about, Lamine Yamal. The Pole had plenty to say about the player who is arguably one of the best, if not currently the best, footballer in the world.

"I've never seen such talent at that age. The challenge for him is to stay hungry for three or more years. This isn't up to him, but it could be difficult for him to maintain that feeling, that enjoyment of football as if he's playing in front of his building, with huge expectations and social media. There are so many games and the rhythm is intense. I doubt that when you reach the highest level at 16, you can last 20 years..."