Lamine Yamal carrying too much at Barcelona as flaws in Flick's plan risk season

Lamine Yamal has emerged as Barcelona's talisman at just 18, shouldering a level of responsibility few players his age face. The winger has been asked to unlock games and create chances constantly, and he has often delivered with maturity beyond his years. Still, football is a team sport, and the burden on one teenager is becoming unsustainable.

Signs of fatigue have become obvious. Yamal has 28 goal involvements in 32 appearances this season, but he asked to be withdrawn with 12 minutes left against Mallorca and has since been asked to play every minute of recent matches. He pushed himself hard in the Copa del Rey first leg against Atlético and created more against Girona, yet the side lost 4-0 and 2-1 respectively, while Yamal’s decision-making and composure at times looked blunted.

Part of the problem lies beyond the youngster.

lamine yamal, barcelona, hansi flick, winger, fatigue, goal involvements, mallorca, girona, atlético, decision making