Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal told what ‘he lacks’ – with teenage winger ‘missing something’ in vital area of his game

At just 17 years of age, La Masia academy graduate Yamal is already a European Championship winner with Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy honours to his name. He is considered to be the hottest of prospects, with comparisons earned to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.

Yamal is, however, far from being the finished article. His trickery can often tie opponents in knots, but questions are being asked of his end product. Yamal registered seven goals through 50 appearances last season, while posting six in 18 outings this term.

Those numbers could be higher, with former football agent turned pundit Josep Maria Minguella telling Beteve when offering his assessment of Yamal: “Barca play 70 per cent of the games against inferior opponents. Lamine lacks something… he doesn’t have a goal, he doesn’t have the goals he could have.

“Raphinha, for example, has more. What Lamine does he does well, but he lacks. [Arjen] Robben, in his position, scored goals all over the place, because he would hook it with his left foot and shoot. An attacker has to score, otherwise he’s missing something.”

Alongside his six goals, Yamal has delivered nine assists for Barca this season. He is contributing to the collective cause, but his rise has been so meteoric that the highest of standards are now demanded of him – with it up to the youngster to ensure that he lives up to those expectations.