With the game against Cadiz CF just a few hours away, FC Barcelona and coach Xavi Hernandez face a particular dilemma in the case of needing to find an alternative replacement for tonight in light of Brazilian winger Raphinha’s red card from the last game that keeps him suspended for matchday two.
While many names are on the table to start tonight with the likes of Spanish forwards Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati, and even Moroccan winger Ez Abde all having a strong chance of starting for Barcelona against Cadiz to provide quality on the right wing.
However, in the latest update provided by Spanish outlet SPORT, it will be none other than 16-year-old Spaniard and La Masia wonderkid Lamine Yamal who is expected to start in the place of Raphinha for the clash against Cadiz.
Already a natural right-winger with a preferred left foot, similar to the basic traits of Raphinha, the 16-year-old also possesses awareness, good vision, unnerving dribbling prowess, and even an eye for goal as he has showcased many times for both the Barcelona subsidiary sides as well at the Spanish youth national level.
If the player does end up starting, this would mark his first-ever start for the Barcelona first team with Xavi Hernandez essentially trusting him to be a key piece in helping Barcelona get their first official victory of the 2023/2024 campaign.
The youngster has been regarded by many as one of the very best talents that La Masia has produced in recent years. While he is undoubtedly expected to do great things for Barcelona as he grows and develops further, it seems his time has come to represent the first team properly like many La Masia greats have had the opportunity to do before him as well.
The lineup will be announced shortly and it will confirm if Xavi Hernandez has in fact decided to field the 16-year-old star within the Barcelona starting eleven that will take on Sergio Gonzalez’s Cadiz CF side at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.
