Why Lamine Yamal’s La Liga goal drought does not concern Barcelona – with teenage wonderkid still contributing significantly to bids for three more trophies

The Blaugrana have already savoured Spanish Super Cup success this season, crushing Clasico rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in the final. Golden Boy-winning forward Yamal, with 11 goals to his name in total, was on target in that contest.

The talented 17-year-old has also netted in Champions League and Copa del Rey competition since the turn of the calendar year, but has failed to find the net in top-flight action since October 26 – with 12 La Liga outings taken in since then.

Yamal’s game is not about being prolific, though, and his quick feet helped Barca to a 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad in their latest outing as they moved back to the top of the table. Head coach Hansi Flick told reporters afterwards of Yamal’s creativity outshining his goal return: “Everyone wants to score, but he creates a lot of chances. The important thing is that the team scores, not who scores.”

Yamal will have a prominent role to play for Barca over the remainder of the season, as they remain in the hunt for La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey crowns. Flick added on pursuing major silverware: “It’s not the time to talk about titles. The goal has to be the next match. We’re going to fight for all three titles, and at the beginning, no-one expected it. That’s what we want - to compete for all three… I don’t look much further than the next game. I’m happy with where we are, but we need to stay focused on the next match.”

Barca, who are expected to hand Yamal a new long-term contract when he turns 18 this summer, will be back in continental action on Wednesday when taking in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 showdown with Benfica.