Real Reason Barcelona are ‘growing concerned’ about Lamine Yamal

• Barcelona are growing increasingly concerned about 17-year-old young winger Lamine Yamal after receiving bad treatment from opponents
• The Spanish forward, known for his dribbling skills, has been subjected to frequent fouls both in La Liga and international matches
• Yamal has received an overwhelming endorsement to clinch the Kopa Trophy at the 2024 Ballon d'Or Awards

Since emerging on the scene, Lamine Yamal's rise has been meteoric, with the young sensation breaking records at every turn.

Yamal's dazzling performances, especially during the 2024 UEFA European Championship, where he played a pivotal role in Spain's triumph, have left the footballing world in awe of his skill and maturity.

The 17-year-old has carried that momentum into the 2024/25 season, contributing a goal or assist in each of Barcelona’s opening four La Liga fixtures, per Transfermarkt.

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Barcelona’s worry over Yamal’s future

However, Barcelona's top officials are becoming increasingly worried about the young winger.

According to Mundo Deportivo, via Yahoo Sports, the concern stems from the harsh treatment the 17-year-old is receiving from opposing players.

The forward endured several heavy challenges during Spain’s Nations League clash with Serbia on Thursday night, despite already nursing a calf issue that required medical tests earlier in the week.

A similar pattern has emerged in the early stages of the La Liga season, with only Christantus Uche and Vinícius Jr. having been fouled more than Lamine, who has been targeted 11 times in the first four weeks.

Many at Barcelona believe the frequent fouls are a deliberate tactic to hinder the young Spaniard's development on the pitch.

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As the challenges grow more severe and Lamine has had little rest in his first 12 months of senior football, the club's leadership is considering launching a campaign to demand greater referee protection for the La Masia graduate.

With Yamal set to feature in Spain’s Nations League clash against Switzerland later tonight, it remains to be seen if the protection they seek will materialize.

Yamal breaks goal-scoring duck for Barcelona

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Yamal opened his goal account for the 2024/25 season with a spectacular strike against Athletic Club.

The goal, a perfect mix of precision and power, hints at what could be a breakthrough season for the young talent.

Having already impressed the football world during Spain's triumphant European Championship campaign, Yamal wasted no time making his mark at the club level.

Source: AFP