Dembélé’s Favor to Lamine Yamal: Unveiling Barcelona’s Rising Star

Ousmane’s Departure to PSG Opened the Door to the First Team for Rocafonda’s Talent Xavi, a staunch supporter of the Frenchman, has found in the academy graduate the attacking impetus needed Their combined stats, goals, and assists, are similar this season FC Barcelona – Napoli | Lamine Yamal’s Dazzling Display Xavi couldn’t hide his dismay when Dembélé’s departure to PSG was confirmed, with the Frenchman commanding a €50 million fee: “In the end, it’s been a disappointment,” remarked the coach. He had every reason to be disheartened, having fought hardest for his continuity, even against the club’s intentions, which favored a sale to prevent him from leaving without compensation after his contract expired. The bond between Ousmane and the coach was once very close, with Xavi being one of the managers who extracted the most sporting performance from the forward. Despite Ousmane’s inconsistency at Barcelona, partly due to frequent injuries, he played 66 games under Xavi, scoring ten goals and providing twenty-two assists, securing a prominent role in the squad. Hence, he agreed to renew for a year, which served as an extension before departing for Paris. While his departure dealt a significant blow to Barcelona’s plans for the first team (not just in his position), it necessitated seeking solutions, as often happens in such cases, from La Masia. Dembélé’s departure, involuntary yet direct, paved the way for Lamine Yamal to break into the Blaugrana’s dressing room. Every decision has consequences, and the Frenchman’s departure allowed the Mataro native to begin his journey in the elite football scene.

Similar Offensive Records Fate has dictated that, having shared a dressing room last season, they now face each other directly in a Champions League quarter-final tie, where both will be protagonists. Ten years separate the Frenchman (26) from the Catalan (16), united by a similar footballing style, and their individual duel will be one of the game’s highlights between Barça and PSG. Without Ousmane, Lamine Yamal has become a regular starter as a right winger over Raphinha. This has been achieved through bold, disruptive, and unapologetic football, accompanied by remarkable stats. In fact, the academy graduate has played 40 games this season, tallying six goals and seven assists in 2,236 minutes. In terms of scoring, he clearly surpasses Dembélé’s stats, who has only scored once this season for PSG. However, the Frenchman has provided thirteen assists, making the combined figures similar.