Lamine Yamal has been a near-constant presence for FC Barcelona this season. The 17-year-old wonderkid has featured in 39 video games throughout all competitions, scoring 13 and aiding 17 targets within the course of.
The teenage sensation has simply been one of many standout performers for Barça this season and has been among the many driving forces behind the group’s sustained push for trophies.
Relaxation for Lamine Yamal?
Nonetheless, in line with SPORT, with a packed schedule forward, supervisor Hansi Flick is contemplating giving Lamine Yamal a much-needed break this Sunday in opposition to Girona.
Balancing outcomes and participant health is crucial because the season enters its remaining stretch, and resting key gamers like Lamine may assist stop burnout.
If Lamine does begin on the bench this Sunday, it’s going to mark the primary time in 4 months he has not been within the beginning lineup.
The final time he was a substitute was on thirtieth November in opposition to Las Palmas, the place he was recovering from an ankle harm. Even then, it was not a tactical choice – he got here on at half-time.
Relaxation for Lamine? (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
In actual fact, the one time Flick has benched Lamine purely for technical causes was six months in the past, in September, in opposition to Osasuna. Within the different 37 matches he has performed this season, Lamine has been a assured starter and has clocked 3,200 minutes.
Nonetheless, after taking part in 120 minutes in opposition to the Netherlands final Sunday and that includes for the total sport within the 3-0 win in opposition to Osasuna on Thursday, Flick may relaxation the teenage gem.
One other key think about Flick’s choice is the upcoming Copa del Rey semifinal in opposition to Atletico Madrid on the Metropolitano subsequent Wednesday. With no margin for error within the knockout competitors, securing a spot within the remaining could take precedence.
In distinction, the small cushion in La Liga permits for a bit extra threat. This might affect Flick to relaxation Lamine in opposition to Girona to maintain him recent for the must-win cup match.
Alternatively, Flick may think about resting Lamine after the sport is beneath management. The plan might be to start out him, attempt to construct a cushty lead, after which substitute him to protect power.
*Participant valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.