An insight into the likely knock-on effect of youngster Lamine Yamal’s most recent showing on the attacking pecking order at Barcelona has been provided on Monday.
Wide-man Yamal, of course, has found himself front and centre in the chatter in Catalunya’s capital over the course of the last 24 hours.
This comes after the 16-year-old, already regarded as the latest superstar in the making at Barcelona, put forth arguably his best display in Blaugrana colours yet.
Afforded a starting berth for the club’s La Liga meeting with Real Betis, Yamal repaid the faith of boss Xavi, and some, in dazzling along the right flank.
Sumptuous control, flawless dribbling, lightning pace and vision to match, the Spanish international showcased all of his staggering abilities in a performance which defied his tender years at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.
And, if the latest word stemming from the media is anything to go by, this could yet have a considerable effect on the playing time afforded to a big-name member of Xavi’s squad.
The player in question? Raphinha.
As per a report from Diario Sport, former Leeds United standout Raphinha ‘will have a very difficult time recovering the title of starter’, upon his return from injury.
The Brazilian international is sidelined at present, owing to a thigh problem suffered against Osasuna in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup earlier this month.
He is expected to recover fitness in time for the first-leg of Barcelona’s Champions League Last-16 tie with Napoli in February, but, as things stand, sits behind 16-year-old Yamal in the pecking order in Catalunya.
Conor Laird | GSFN
