A prince without whom Barcelona do not know how to win

Barcelona’s current situation is one of concern, made even more troubling by the doubts surrounding Lamine Yamal’s fitness. 

His importance to the team is undeniable, and his absence has led to some speculation about whether the club has become too reliant on him. 

The winger has become an integral part of Barcelona’s attacking force, and without him, the team has shown clear signs of struggle. Manager Hansi Flick, the players, and the club are all acutely aware of how vital Yamal is to the squad.

Yamal’s ability to impact games is immense. His combination of speed, acceleration, ball control, dribbling, and vision makes him one of the most dynamic players in Barcelona’s attack. 

He plays a crucial role in creating chances and relieving pressure on his teammates by drawing defenders away from central positions. His skill set allows him to link up effectively with the forwards, contributing to the team’s overall offensive fluidity. 

No Yamal, no party

Lamine Yamal has been Barcelona’s driving force. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

As of now, Yamal leads the La Liga charts for assists with 9 and dribbles with 51, a testament to his importance and the disruptive effect he has on opposing defences.

The numbers are clear: when Yamal does not complete 90 minutes on the field, Barcelona struggles to perform. In matches where he has been sidelined or forced to leave early due to injury, the team has dropped points. 

This includes their defeats to Osasuna and Real Sociedad, as well as draws against Celta Vigo and Leganes. 

His absence against Atletico Madrid, where he was in the stands nursing an injury, was another blow to the team’s hopes. To put things in perspective, Since his absence, Barcelona have collected just five points out of a possible 21 in La Liga.

Regardless of who fills in for him on the right wing, Barcelona’s performance has not been the same without Yamal. This has not gone unnoticed by Flick, who has tried several options to replace him, all to no avail. 

The hope now is that Yamal can recover in time for the Spanish Super Cup, where Barcelona will be looking to secure their first title of the season. 

The club and the manager are keenly awaiting news on his recovery, as his return could be crucial to their prospects in the competition.