The clash against Sevilla ended up in victory for FC Barcelona at the Montjuic Stadium. The Catalan giants were arguably quite lucky to escape the match with all three points, but there was a particular performance that deserves praise for the way it evolved during the game.
As highlighted by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal continues to develop exponentially as a player and has begun to contribute massively to the Barcelona cause. Now fully trusted by Xavi Hernandez as a member of the first team, Yamal has returned that good faith with his great performances.
Sergio Ramos and the fateful encounter
Following four games as a substitute arrival into matches, Yamal was back in the starting eleven against Sevilla. Coincidentally, Yamal would reunite with Sergio Ramos in this game, given that they previously encountered each other in 2016 when Ramos held a then 9-year-old Lamine Yamal’s hand while going to the Camp Nou pitch.
Fatefully, it seemed that the strings of destiny truly do write up the most twisted of scripts. The one goal that gave Barcelona all three points in this game came through a Sergio Ramos own goal, one that was directly assisted by the now 16-year-old Lamine Yamal.
Difference maker for Barcelona
The La Masia star was crucial through every lens that he is looked upon with. Initially, he seemed a bit jittery and unfocused when the game started. However, he soon grew into it and began to truly make a difference, creating chances for his team while simultaneously opening up spaces through his sublime dribbling.
In a way, the pitch truly opened up for Yamal after Raphinha got substituted, as per MD. He then created some great chances, a particular mention being the lofted ball that reached Fermin Lopez, which may have led to much more had they been converted.
While he still may have to wait for his first Barcelona goal, there is no doubt that Lamine Yamal is proving to be instrumental to this Barcelona team every time he is given an opportunity to play. With more challenges up ahead this season, Xavi Hernandez would be glad to have another reliable attacking outlet to count on.