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If Lamine Yamal wants to be Barcelona’s main man, he must start dominating big games

Lamine Yamal wears Lionel Messi's No. 10 and wants to be Barcelona's main man, but recent quiet displays in big games show he and Hansi Flick must adapt.

Published: Monday, 9 November 2026 at 12:30 PM
If Lamine Yamal wants to be Barcelona’s main man, he must start dominating big games
Key Things to Know
  • The writer argues Lamine Yamal must dominate big matches to truly become Barcelona's main talisman.
  • The article contends Yamal struggled to influence key fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
  • A recent growth spurt and tighter marking from elite full-backs are cited as factors affecting his play.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Parag J Kalita argues that Lamine Yamal must begin dominating major fixtures if he wants to be Barcelona's definitive talisman. Despite Yamal providing an assist in a recent win over Atletico Madrid, the writer contends the 19-year-old has struggled to assert himself in high-stakes matches, including Barcelona's 2-1 El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid on October 26.

Kalita suggests a recent growth spurt and elite opposing full-backs have impacted Yamal's 1v1 effectiveness. Additionally, the writer urges manager Hansi Flick to manage the winger's heavy minutes more strictly and substitute him when necessary to prevent burnout.

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