Why Barcelona’s 16-Year-Old Wonderkid Struggles to Connect on the Field

FC Barcelona has a football philosophy that revolves around mastering the fundamentals, keeping possession, and making precise decisions on the ball. These traits define Barça’s distinctive style.

However, the downside of this approach is that every player needs to be actively involved in the game. Isolation and lack of possession can hinder even the most technically gifted players, as seen in the case of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal.

As reported by Spanish outlet SPORT, Yamal has recently experienced a decrease in his impact on games. His teammates have struggled to find him with passes, diminishing his influence on the pitch.

Yet, there have been moments when Yamal’s potential shone brightly. In the Gamper Trophy and against Villarreal, he played pivotal roles in Barcelona’s comebacks. His 59 touches against Villarreal showcased his influence, resulting in assists and critical contributions to the winning goal.

However, recent matches against Sevilla and Porto have seen Yamal left on the fringes. With only 36 and 39 touches in those games, respectively, he’s receiving fewer passes and less interaction with teammates, Sportxpate reports.

This tactical dilemma falls on the shoulders of Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona’s coach. At just 16 years old, Yamal is arguably the most dynamic winger in the squad. Addressing this issue, including finding ways to integrate him better within the team, is a challenge that Xavi must tackle to unlock Yamal’s full potential.