One Barcelona forward continues to struggle to connect with Lamine Yamal while others thrive | OneFootball

In many ways, FC Barcelona have found their poster boy for the new generation. At just 17 years of age, Lamine Yamal has already cemented himself as one of Europe’s finest players. Beyond just being an elite talent, the Barcelona youngster is already regarded as one of the best players across any age group.

That is because over the course of this year’s European Championship and the ongoing official season, Yamal has truly stepped up his game. While he was arguably one of the team’s better performers last season with a combination of goal contributions and magical moments, he is now definitely one of world football’s most impactful wingers.

Beyond just improving and fine-tuning his dribbling skills and overall reading of the game, the player has greatly evolved his creative contributions. Providing assists for fun this season, the 17-year-old Spanish star already has 11 assists to his name across all competitions this season and has become a true game-changer for his club.

However, that does beg the question regarding which of his teammates ends up benefiting the most from these assists. The answer, as per Mundo Deportivo, is none other than team captain Raphinha. Simultaneously, however, the team’s top scorer has been unable to replicate the same connection with the youngster.

Robert Lewandowski, one of Europe’s most in-form strikers and the undisputed top scorer for the Catalan giants this season, seems to find it difficult to respond accurately to Yamal’s chances. Given the youngster’s tendency to provide accurate and perfectly-weighted through balls into space, Lewandowski’s lack of speed and age makes it difficult for him to react effectively.

On the other hand, players who are capable of making runs in behind are reaping the rewards of the youngster’s creativity. Players like Raphinha, who already has four goals to his name that were directly assisted by Yamal, as well as the likes of Ferran Torres (2), Dani Olmo (2), and Pedri (1) have all converted chances created by the youngster.

While Lewandowski has also given Yamal two assists, the nature of the youngster’s passes is not typically suited to the veteran striker’s profile. He prefers to receive the ball to his feet, and while the 17-year-old winger is capable of doing that, it is something that can still be clearly worked on to improve the connection between the two players.