Yamal show superstar performance!

17/04/2024

Game between FC Barcelona vs PSG was squandered by a reckless red card in the first half, which indeed had a butterfly effect for Barcelona, stemming from the mistake of their key defender Araujo.

Araujo's red card was the turning point of the game

The team was subsequently forced to make lineup adjustments, and after the tactics were suddenly disrupted, the Blaugrana suffered their most bitter defeat of the season.

However, looking at it from another perspective, Barcelona still had some gains from this match. 

At the very least, this team showed fans some hope, and they also obtained the biggest treasure of this game.

The biggest 'treasure' of Barca!

Yes, that treasure is none other than the 16-year-old prodigy, Yamal! From the qualities he exhibited, Barcelona has a lot to look forward to in the coming seasons.

In just the 12th minute of the game, he burst through Paris Saint-Germain's flank defense with his individual skill and provided an assist for his teammate, Raphinha, inside the penalty area.

Provided an assist to Raphinha

However, with Araujo's unexpected red card while backtracking, Barcelona was forced to make tactical adjustments.

Being down to ten men, the team had to tighten their defense by sacrificing the more attacking-minded Yamal. 

Yamal had been sub off due to tactical adjustments

It turned out that this move was wrong, as the team's attack completely stagnated thereafter and eventually got overturned by Paris Saint-Germain.

Yet, within the short 34 minutes of playing time, Yamal had already displayed a top-class performance in this match.

Yamal was exceptionally active on the right flank!

In those 34 minutes, Yamal successfully broke through the flank defense twice, created a superb goal-scoring opportunity, and even scored a goal.

Yamal touched the ball 14 times on the flank, losing possession only three times in the heavily defended area of Paris Saint-Germain, showcasing remarkable efficiency.

Furthermore, at just 16 years old, he succeeded in 3 out of 6 ground duels, maintaining a 50% success rate, which is equally impressive.

Yamal contributed 2 tackles and 1 interception

Most crucially, within such a short time, Yamal also made two successful tackles and one interception in his assigned area, showing an exceptional individual performance.

Considering he is only 16 years old, Yamal's performance in the Champions League knockout stages is indeed worth anticipating. 

Lamine Yamal, the new Messi?

Some have even compared him to Barcelona's next Messi emerging from the flanks, which doesn't seem like an exaggeration based on the current situation.