BARCELONA
Yamal could be in the starting XI against Cádiz
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández could include the young player in the starting lineup after Raphinha was given a red card against Gefate.
The current LaLiga champions didn’t have their best opening game in the domestic competition, as they couldn’t find the back of the net against Getafe in a game that ended in a goalless draw.
The Catalan giants, without key forward Ousmane Dembélé, struggled to create goal opportunities against José Bordalás’ men, and haven’t been able to defeat Los Azulones in their last four games at Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.
Things got especially tricky for Barcelona when Raphinha, probably the visitors’ best forward in the first minutes of the game, was given a red card for elbowing a Getafe player.
Later on, the Brazilian player, aware of his mistake, addressed Barça fans to apologize for his behavior. The Porto Alegre-bred talent won’t be able to play against Cádiz, so Barcelona coach Xavi will likely make some changes up front.
Lamine Yamal could feature from the start
Taking into consideration that Barcelona won’t be able to call upon the services of Raphinha and the fact that Dembélé is not a Barcelona player anymore, Xavi might end up creating a new attack in the game against Cádiz at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
While Abde looks like the most realistic option to play alongside Robert Lewandowski, as he was one of the best players for the visitors, Xavi is not happy with Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres’ performances so far in the team, so that could translate into a surprise in the starting XI: Lamine Yamal.
The 16-year-old starlet proved against Tottenham in the Joan Gamper Trophy that he has the quality to be decisive despite his young age.
Against Getafe, he played in the second half, while Ansu Fati took the field after him. Torres didn’t play a minute.
Although many believe Yamal shouldn’t have too much pressure this early, he seems to be a good choice for Barcelona’s next LaLiga game after his performances so far.
Against Getafe, he did well when he was in the field, so he could be given the chance of featuring from the start instead of serving as a catalyst this time around.