Opinion: Lamine cuts Barcelona’s mini-crisis short

In football, there are players whose presence can completely change the dynamics of a match. Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s 17-year-old sensation, has proven to be one such player.

His impact on the pitch is undeniable, and as the season progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that Barcelona’s success is tightly bound to his performance.

While this might seem like a lot of pressure to place on a young talent, the stats don’t lie – Barcelona’s record without Yamal speaks volumes.

Barcelona struggle without him

In the 2024/25 La Liga season, Barcelona have failed to win any of the four matches in which Yamal was not in the starting lineup. They have drawn one and lost three, a disappointing outcome for a team of their stature.

This includes defeats against Osasuna (2-4), Real Sociedad (0-1), and Las Palmas (1-2) and a draw against Celta Vigo (2-2).

Contrast this with their 11 matches in which Yamal started, where they won all 11, showcasing a stark difference in performance. But it’s not just the results that tell the story; the numbers also reveal how much more effective Barcelona are with Yamal on the pitch.

Without him in the starting XI, Barcelona have averaged just 1.75 goals per match in their last four matches across all competitions. In contrast, with Yamal starting, the team’s average skyrockets to 4.1 goals per game over the same period.

These figures highlight a clear trend: Barcelona are a far more potent attacking force when Yamal is involved from the start.

His creativity, vision, and ability to unlock defences have become a cornerstone of the team’s play, and it’s becoming increasingly evident that Barcelona rely heavily on him to break through tough opposition.

Brilliant comeback against Mallorca

Yamal’s rise has not been without its challenges. He has faced setbacks, including an injury to his right ankle during a match in Belgrade, which kept him out of the starting lineup for nearly a month.

Hansi Flick has been cautious with his recovery, not wanting to risk further injury. However, when Yamal returned to the starting XI against Mallorca, it was clear that his absence had been felt.

In that match, he was instrumental in Barcelona’s victory, creating key opportunities and contributing to the team’s offensive success.

One of the most striking aspects of Yamal’s game is his ability to change the course of a match with his intelligence and balance. Against Mallorca, despite coming back from an injury, Yamal showcased his incredible skills.

His dribbling and decision-making caused havoc in the opposition’s defence, setting up goals and winning a crucial penalty for the team.

He provided an assist for Raphinha’s second goal with a brilliant outside-of-the-foot pass from a distance of 30 meters. His involvement in the buildup to the other goals further proved his importance to the team.

There is dependency

Yamal’s performances have led to what some are calling “Lamine-dependence,” a term that, while understandable, raises concerns.

It is clear that Barcelona play a significantly better brand of football when he is in the starting lineup, but relying too heavily on such a young player can come with risks.

At just 17, Yamal still has a lot to learn, and the pressure of carrying a team on his shoulders could weigh heavily on him. That being said, his performances have been so consistently excellent that it’s hard to ignore how much Barcelona depend on him.

The young winger has not only been pivotal in creating goals but has also been involved in key moments that have secured victories. So far, in 18 matches this season, he has scored six goals and has provided 10 assists.

In the same match against Mallorca, while he may not have added a goal to his name in that match, his all-around contribution was more than enough to leave a lasting impact.

He had a hand in every goal Barcelona scored, either directly or indirectly, and this is the mark of a player who can truly influence a game.

A rare talent

What Barcelona have found in Yamal is a rare talent capable of shifting the balance of a match in their favour. His dribbling, vision, and ability to pick out the right passes have made him one of the most exciting young prospects in European football.

But it is not just his technical skills that set him apart; it is also his footballing intelligence and ability to read the game. His maturity on the ball belies his age, and it’s this combination of talent and intelligence that makes him so vital to Barcelona’s success.

The fact that Barcelona have not won a single match in which Yamal hasn’t started this season highlights just how much they rely on him. While the team undoubtedly has other quality players, Yamal brings a unique quality that the others simply can’t replicate.

In contrast, when Yamal has been on the pitch, Barcelona have looked like a completely different team. They are more fluid, more dangerous in attack, and much more likely to score goals.

This is not just a coincidence – the numbers and performances speak for themselves. Yamal’s presence in the starting lineup has been a decisive factor in Barcelona’s success so far this season.