Stats reveal why Barcelona prodigy deserves better protection from referees

2 hours ago 1
ARTICLE AD

Lamine Yamal has become a focal point of attention in recent matches, particularly in the Nations League game between Spain and Denmark. 

In this match, he faced a series of fouls, highlighting a growing trend among defenders who seem determined to disrupt his style of play. 

The nature of these fouls can vary depending on individual perspectives, but it is clear that the young talent from Barcelona, who was seen limping after the match, is showing remarkable resilience in the face of some quite severe challenges on the field.

Interestingly, in a previous match against Villarreal, Yamal was subjected to two successive fouls within a minute, resulting in yellow cards for the offenders, Sergi Cardona and Ilias Akomach. 

Such incidents underscore a troubling pattern: opposing teams are increasingly resorting to aggressive tactics to halt Yamal’s progress. 

There are stats to prove it

Lamine Yamal is the most fouled winger in La Liga. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Statistics from La Liga and the Champions League reveal that he is the most frequently fouled winger, with defenders employing various methods to contain him.

As the 2024-25 season progresses, after the first nine rounds of league play, Yamal has already endured 23 fouls, ranking him as the third most fouled player overall, reports Mundo Deportivo.

Christantus Uche from Getafe tops this list with 30 fouls, followed by Giovani Lo Celso from Betis with 27. 

Among wingers, Yamal leads the category, surpassing well-known players like Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid, who has faced 21 fouls, and Take Kubo from Real Sociedad, who has received 20.

What about the Champions League?

Lamine Yamal gets fouled often. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

In the Champions League, following the initial two rounds, Yamal also finds himself among the top players in terms of fouls received. 

Alistair Johnston from Celtic Glasgow leads this table with eight fouls, while Yamal, with five fouls, is the most fouled winger in the tournament. 

Other wingers facing similar challenges include Bryan Gil from Girona, Dan Ndoye and Riccardo Orsolini from Bologna, and Jack Grealish from Manchester City. 

Players such as Samuel Lino from Atletico Madrid and Angel Di Maria from Benfica have each received four fouls, while notable names like Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha, alongside others, have received three.

The statistics paint a vivid picture of Yamal’s ability to draw attention from defenders, reflecting both his skill on the ball and the increasing need for opposing teams to find ways to halt his influence on the game.

Read Entire Article