Lamine Yamal’s Impact: Fans Urge Xavi to Consider Starting the Teen Sensation

Recent matches have highlighted Xavi’s preference for deploying Lamine Yamal as a second-half impact sub rather than a regular starter in Barcelona’s best XI, notably in clashes against Porto, Atletico, and Girona. However, Yamal’s dynamic performance during his substitute appearance against Girona has stirred a fervent response from Barca fans, questioning why the 16-year-old talent is not starting matches.

Expressing their frustration with Raphinha’s recent form, fans have taken to social media to advocate for Lamine Yamal’s inclusion from the first whistle. The teenager’s impactful entrance against Girona, marked by a crucial cross that nearly resulted in a goal by Lewandowski, has intensified calls for Xavi to reconsider his starting lineup choices.

Barcelona faithfuls on various platforms have voiced their opinions:

Akobicr8: “Raphinha is not a quality player. Lack of confidence and ball control. No crossing, he cannot dribble. See the game yesterday. Immediately Lamine Yamal entered see that boy crossing.”

Cas_Mir00: “I really don’t understand why Yamal isn’t starting, Raphinha is a mess atm.”

ShiroZ: “Raphinha is so catastrophic that I want to give more responsibilities now to Lamine Yamal (16 years old) we are there.”

FaroukU10: “If Raphinha had half the 1v1 ability Yamal had, Miguel Gutierrez would have been busy marking other than attacking.”

Maria: “Barca should sell Raphinha and play Yamal.”

kavvvveerrrrrrr: “I’m not even joking he came on and was instantly more effective than Raphinha was all game… if Lewa didn’t miss the header then Yamal would probably be considered the hero rn.”

As fans increasingly clamor for Yamal’s presence from the start, Xavi faces mounting pressure to reassess his lineup choices and potentially unleash the teenage sensation in the opening XI.