Barcelona’s 0-1 loss to Actual Sociedad highlighted the membership’s clear reliance on Lamine Yamal, whose absence was strongly felt.
Regardless of the strong efficiency by the group from San Sebastian, Barcelona’s lack of affect within the sport was evident, and it’s arduous to disclaim that Yamal’s presence within the beginning XI might have made a distinction.
At simply 17, the younger ahead has rapidly change into one among Barcelona’s most vital gamers, influencing video games in ways in which few others can.
Yamal has already set quite a few information and has contributed considerably to Barcelona’s attacking play this season, which may be backed up by spectacular statistics.
Barcelona have struggled with out him
The truth is, Barcelona’s two losses in La Liga this season each got here in the one matches the place Yamal was absent from the beginning line-up.
Towards Osasuna, he entered the sport for the ultimate half-hour, however his transient look wasn’t sufficient to make up for the group’s struggles.
Barcelona have misplaced each matches the place Lamine Yamal has not began. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Photographs)
His absence towards Actual Sociedad, on account of harm, left Barcelona with out their key participant, and it confirmed. Barcelona, the highest-scoring group in Europe, didn’t even handle a single shot on the right track through the match.
This season, Yamal has been a standout performer in La Liga. He at the moment leads the league with seven assists, is among the many high scorers with 5 objectives, and is fourth within the variety of pictures taken.
Moreover, he has made essentially the most dribbles within the competitors, with a complete of 79. Yamal has featured in 12 of Barcelona’s 13 La Liga video games, and together with his contributions, Barcelona have averaged 3.3 objectives per sport.
With out him, nonetheless, the group failed to attain towards Actual Sociedad for the primary time in 31 official matches.
Tactically, Yamal’s position on the fitting wing has been essential. His mere presence on that aspect stretches opposing defences, opening up house for different gamers to maneuver into attacking positions.
Whether or not or not he’s immediately concerned in a play, his capability to attract defenders large creates alternatives for teammates to take advantage of gaps within the defence, making his absence all of the extra vital.
*Participant valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.