The on-field relationship between Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski is causing concern at Barcelona. The young player believes the Polish striker’s presence restricts his movement and negatively impacts the team’s performance. He feels the team loses fluidity, space, and attacking options whenever Lewandowski is in the starting lineup.
This isn’t a personal issue but a purely tactical one. Yamal acknowledges Lewandowski’s importance and goal-scoring record, but he feels the team’s style of play becomes more predictable and static, making it easier for opposing defenses to adapt and limiting their ability to create chances down the flanks.
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Less Space and Slower Transitions
For Yamal, playing alongside Lewandowski means less space to exploit. The Polish striker focuses on the penalty area and doesn’t draw defenders wide, thus reducing Yamal’s attacking options. With players like Ferran Torres or other fast-moving forwards, Yamal can deliver passes into open spaces, creating quick transitions and freer passing.
A Static Playing Style
When Lewandowski is on the pitch, Barcelona tends to attack in a more static style, with longer periods of possession and fewer transitions. This style doesn’t suit a player like Lamine, who thrives in one-on-one situations and with pace, as it allows defenders to anticipate his every move more effectively.
A Dressing Room Debate
At Barcelona, a debate has begun about Lewandowski’s impact on the team’s performance. No one doubts his professionalism or goal-scoring ability, but the question is whether his style aligns with the team’s development and the growth of its young players. Lamine believes Barcelona needs more movement in attack to maximize his talent and that of his teammates, rather than having him as a winger surrounded by defenders with no space or support.
Every time Lewandowski plays, Lamine feels the team’s creativity diminishes. The decision now lies with Barcelona: adapt their style of play to suit the striker, or prioritize developing their most promising young talents.
