Lamine Yamal has been on a clear upward trajectory in recent weeks after struggling with a persistent groin injury that he’s still having to manage, but the teenager looks a lot more comfortable and is back to having the same impact on Barcelona’s matches that he used to have prior to the injury, and his coach is noticing that.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Hansi Flick was full of praise for Lamine’s recent improvement, and specifically praises his defensive work which has been noticeably better in the last few games as well as his ability to keep trying to beat his defenders on the wing even if he’s not successful a few times.
“We always talk about players in both attacking and defensive roles; against Atlético, his pressing helped the team a lot. He’s improved a lot defensively, but also offensively; the level he’s showing is fantastic, I love watching him, and he’s a player who always wants to improve; he wants to keep going and beat the next opponent. Sometimes it’s not easy, there are many players in LaLiga who like these one-on-one situations, but in Lamine’s case, he’s fouled 90% of the time but keeps going. You have to know how to make the right decisions, have confidence in themselves, and be able to contribute.”
Yamal has been the most effectively dribbler in Europe this season according to every relevant stat for wingers and his increased defensive output also helps the team tremendously, and it’s not a surprise his improvement in that area has coincided with Raphinha’s return to the side. When the world’s best pressing attacker is on the pitch, you have no choice but to do the same.
Raphinha’s back, Lamine is clearly looking and playing much better, and Barça are back to looking like a very dangerous attacking team.
