Lamine Yamal Under the Microscope: Why Does He Shine Against Minnows and Disappear Against Giants?

Arab Sea Newspaper - Follow-ups:

The promising Spanish star Lamine Yamal, Barcelona's winger, has raised significant questions about his fluctuating level this season, especially in major matches. Despite his brilliance against mid-table clubs like Alaves, he appeared lackluster in major clashes against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Real Madrid. Decoding Yamal: How did the big teams succeed in stopping him? Several major European clubs have resorted to well-thought-out plans to neutralize Yamal, most notably: 1. Violent Physical Pressure: His lack of a strong physical build made him an easy target for defenders with physical strength who close down spaces on him and break his rhythm with constant tackling. 2. Double Marking: The defense's focus on closing the right flank by intensifying coverage with two players (the full-back and the midfielder) significantly limited his ability to dribble and break forward. 3. Isolating the Center: Yamal tends to move into the center and shoot a lot, but defenders have started forcing him to play on the wings, which reduces his danger. 4. Early Pressure: Big teams exert high pressure that prevents him from receiving the ball comfortably and forces him to play quickly, which he doesn't prefer. 5. Defensive Experience: Defenders like Nuno Mendes and Cucurella dealt with him with experience and composure, depriving the young player of the spaces and momentum he needs to shine. Despite these well-thought-out tactics, Lamine Yamal still possesses great talent and tactical intelligence that helps him find solutions in some moments. Barcelona is working on developing its plans to better exploit his skills, by diversifying his movements on the field and involving him more in building attacks, which may give him more freedom and opportunities to overcome the high pressure and strict tactical commitment imposed by opponents.