Lamine Yamal: A Savior on the Pitch with a Pending Record

Lamine Yamal, at just 16 years old, has emerged as a pivotal player for Barcelona this season, notching six goals and seven assists. Despite his young age, his impact on the pitch is already notable, with several of his goals proving decisive in securing crucial points for the team. In the recent match against Mallorca, Yamal showcased his genius with a sublime strike that found the top corner, securing another victory for Barcelona.

Out of his six goals this season, four have directly contributed to earning five points for the team. The victory against Mallorca and two draws against Granada, where Yamal scored an away goal and netted a brace at home, underline his importance in critical moments.

Although Yamal faced some minor knee issues in recent weeks, the coaching staff managed his playing time carefully. Against Getafe, he did not play a single minute for the first time in the league, and he started from the bench against Athletic. As the team prepares for the crucial match against Napoli, it remains to be seen how Xavi plans to utilize Yamal, especially given the absence of De Jong and Pedri.

The recent match against Mallorca, where Yamal and Raphinha both started, offered few clues about the lineup for the upcoming game. Yamal played as a winger, while Raphinha took on a more central and slightly deeper role. Given their performances, it is plausible that both players could feature in the starting eleven against Napoli on Tuesday.

Yamal’s ability to make a difference on the field has made him increasingly indispensable, showcasing not only impressive dribbling skills but also a knack for scoring extraordinary goals. However, one challenge remains for the young talent: scoring in the Champions League. Despite his impactful performances in domestic competitions, Yamal has yet to open his Champions League goal account. The upcoming match against Napoli presents another opportunity for Yamal to break this record, currently held by Ansu Fati as the youngest goal-scorer in the Champions League at 17 years and 40 days. Lamine will not turn 17 until July, making Tuesday’s game at Montjuïc a potential milestone in his budding career.