Ahead of the Champions League clash between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, the focus wasn’t just on the lineup, but also on the influence of an 18-year-old player on coach Hansi Flick’s decisions.
Lamine Yamal, who recently returned from injury, has not only regained his form but also begun to play an unexpected role inside the dressing room.
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Surprisingly, according to sources close to Yamal, he initiated a direct conversation with the coaching staff about a point he considers crucial to the team’s performance. However, this time, it wasn’t about himself.
De Jong… The Untouchable
In recent matches, Flick, like Yamal, has observed that the team becomes more balanced and creative when Frenkie de Jong plays alongside Pedri in midfield.
The chemistry between the duo has become a necessity rather than a luxury. De Jong provides Pedri with the space, precision, and technical support that allows him to express his creativity freely.
Yamal, for his part, believes that De Jong’s presence directly enhances his own performance. The Dutchman’s passing speed and transitions help him receive the ball in optimal positions, particularly during offensive transitions.
Casado Doesn’t Convince Yamal
Although Marc Casado offers disciplined defensive performances and shows a solid understanding of tactical responsibilities, Lamine Yamal doesn’t view him as a suitable replacement for De Jong.
A source close to the player revealed:
“Lamine Yamal explicitly asked Flick not to sacrifice Frenkie in big matches, because he believes Pedri is heavily affected by his absence, and Casado doesn’t bring the same effectiveness in ball progression or creative build-up.”
From a technical standpoint, Casado lacks the speed and creativity needed in the build-up phase. Furthermore, he doesn’t possess the intuitive connection with Pedri in short passing combinations or attacking coverage. According to Yamal, this makes his inclusion in the starting lineup a risk, especially against an opponent of Paris’s calibre.
What Will Flick Do?
Now the decision lies with the German coach. Balancing Yamal’s request with the need for midfield stability could significantly influence Barcelona’s performance against Paris Saint-Germain.
Given Yamal’s strong return against Real Sociedad and the growing expectations of him starting in this high-stakes clash, it seems the young Spaniard is no longer just making waves down the wing. In fact, he may already be shaping decisions at the heart of the club.
