Ever since Leo Messi left Barcelona, the number 10 has been a curse for Ansu Fati. The youngster who was once seen as a successor to Messi is now a fallen soldier. Ansu Fati has been through a series of injuries, and the lack of game time has not helped him return to his former self. The youngster was very good when he made his debut for Barcelona and went on to break a lot of records. Now, there are reports that Ansu Fati is leaving the club, and Lamine Yamal will inherit the number 10.
The weight of the number 10
Ansu Fati has been on Barcelona’s bench all season due to a lack of game time, which is unlikely to change. The weight and pressure of wearing Barcelona’s iconic number 10 were too much for the youngster. Ansu was labelled as the “next Messi” when he was in peak form, which made the youngster nervous on the pitch. This caused Ansu to lose confidence for not instantly get results after returning from injury. Another victim of being called the next Messi was Bojan krkiÄ, who also succumbed to injuries and loss of confidence on the pitch. Lamine Yamal is a sensational teenager who is not only Barça’s future but also the future of football. There is a risk in handing the teenager such a big responsibility so early in his career.
Lamine Yamal’s way to deal with pressure
Lamine Yamal is only 17 years old, but it has to be said he’s not an ordinary teenager. He has already decorated his trophy cabinet with a series of trophies and individual awards. Lamine has proved to be pressure-resistant on the biggest stages of football. In the 2024 Euros, the starboy delivered whenever the Spanish national team needed him. He had a goal contribution in every knockout phase of the tournament. For Barcelona, he has been a key player in the biggest matches. Showing up in every El ClĂĄsico this season, the youngster has 3 goals and two assists against Los Blancos this season. No intimidation from opposition fans or high expectations from his own have caused Lamine Yamal to stumble.
The responsibility and pressure of wearing La Blaugrana’s number 10 is huge, but I think Lamine can handle it. He has proved that he has a strong personality that can enable him to excel in the most high-pressure situations.