Barcelona not happy with referees failing to protect star player - Reports
Barcelona have reportedly claimed that referees have failed to protect their star teenager Lamine Yamal. The club are also said to be rather displeased about this situation.
A report from Mundo Deportivo (via Barca Universal) revealed this concern, with the claim that the referees have shown more leniency to the tackles Yamal has faced. The report further highlighted a particular instance - Spain's 0-0 draw against Serbia in the Nations League on September 5. During the game, the Barcelona winger was tackled rather viciously by Kristijan Belic and Veljko Birmanzevic.
The situation in LaLiga is not very different, with the teenage prodigy getting fouled a total of 11 times in just four league games (via FBref).
Spain will face Switzerland later today (September 8) and it is widely expected that Lamine Yamal will feature for La Roja once more. It is uncertain if he will play the full match, but manager Luis de la Fuente will likely expect it from him.
The Spain boss said ahead of the Switzerland game, after Yamal played the full match against Serbia (via Barca Universal):
“It’s fortunate that [Barcelona] have such a high-level player and that he plays so many games for the national team. If he can’t handle 180 minutes in September, then there’s a problem.”
Barcelona will be watching the upcoming game closely to monitor Lamine Yamal and hope that he can handle the rigors of getting fouled constantly on international duty. They will also be hoping they don't lose him to injury, as he has been vital to their dominant La Liga form this season, scoring once and making four assists in four games.
Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde speaks about Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal is widely considered as a generational talent across the globe. After a breakthrough debut season with Barcelona, he played in Euro 2024 for Spain and guided them to win the trophy, with one goal and four assists in seven games.
The youngster has continued that run of form in the new season, partaking impressively in Barca's four straight wins.
His teammate Alejandro Balde has spoken about his quality, revealing in an interview (via Barca Universal):
“I’m four years older than Lamine Yamal and I’m only 20. He’s very young, but he plays like a veteran. To do the things that he does at that age, I think it’s incredible. I knew he would break into the first team when he was 16 years old."
Balde himself has played all four games for Barcelona this season, and he will look to continue performing in the first team to cement his place in the squad.