Lamine Yamal has come under pressure this season with the spotlight shinning bright on a player many already consider to be the best in the world.
Throughout the many ebbs and flows of Barcelona’s new season, the star forward has taken criticism when things haven’t gone his team’s way.
One idea that has been proposed by fans and pundits alike is to play Lamine through the middle. Finally, with Dani Olmo injured, and Fermín López just coming back from injury, Hansi Flick found the right time to launch the experiment.
It’s a small sample size, but the results in the first trial looked good.
Lamine didn’t score a golazo, nor did we see as many fancy passes, or tricks on the ball. Instead, we saw a more complete version of the superstar.
Defensively, we saw a player winning balls, and springing attacks from them directly. On the ball, Lamine was an absolute presence, controlling the midfield, and creating opportunities for his forwards. In turn, he also took pressure off of the defensive line.
Barcelona tends to play Real Betis well. That’s why more games are needed to see what kind of impact Lamine can make from this position with different tactical matchups.
One thing that may stand in his way is Barcelona’s lack of depth on the wing. Who would play on the right flank if Lamine moves to the middle? Roony Bardghji had a great game, but he’s not going to force his way into the starting lineup. Both Raphinha and Marcus Rashford can play on that side, but that would be yet another variable to tinker with.
Perhaps this is a long term project. Maybe something for next season if Barcelona want to build around Lamine as their nucleus.
For now, it’s food for thought for Hansi Flick. No doubt, he will like what he saw in Seville, and will try it again as circumstances allow.
One thing that’s for sure, Barcelona’s best attacking formula is an open question.
Ferran Torres or Robert Lewandowski?
Dani Olmo or Fermín López?
Where best to play Lamine, Raphinha, and Marcus Rashford?
Flick has options, but he will also be hoping to find consistency in his lineup as the calendar turns to 2026.
With the injury bug continuing to bite Barcelona, however, it’s good to know that his players are versatile. Having success on a day of experimentation is how plan Bs are formed.
And that is no small thing for a manager who has had to be light on his feet since joining the club.
