I didn't feel great — Lamine Yamal smiling again after Barcelona hat-trick

Lamine Yamal admitted to a difficult spell this season but is "happy again" after netting his first career hat-trick in Barcelona's 4-1 win over Villarreal at the Spotify Camp Nou. He scored twice in the first half and once after the break to become the youngest player to record their first hat-trick in the Spanish top-flight in the 21st century at 18 years and 230 days, and the first player of his age to score a treble in the Spanish top flight since 1967.

Only José Iraragorri (17 years and 337 days in 1930) and Pablo Pombo (18 years and 200 days in 1934) registered a hat-trick at a younger age. The numbers remain staggering. His trio of goals against the Yellow Submarine took his season tally to 18 in 34 appearances across all competitions, equalling his entire goal return from the previous season in 21 fewer matches.

Speaking to Movistar after the win, Yamal spoke openly about the struggles that affected his enjoyment this season: "I didn't feel great [earlier this season].

Spain, Barcelona

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