The Barcelona front three have a huge amount of goal contributions for the Catalan team this season. While Lewandowski has shined as the main goal scorer and poacher in box, Yamal has thrived at providing assists and Raphinha has been an all-rounder. However, after Barca’s last game against Atleti, Yamal and Raphinha now become the best assist providing pair in Europe, sharing a total of 31 assists in between them. Let’s break down this event.
Young Yamal & Rapid Raphinha Are The Final-Third Wizards
Lamine Yamal: A Generational Talent
Lamine Yamal has reached new heights in football after achieving so much at only 17. When fans watch him glide past defenders, Messi’s teenage years definitely come into mind. The young superstar has provided the most assists in La Liga (11) and a total of 15. It shows the player attacks space well and can take on defenders and thread deadly balls in the box.
The La Masia prodigy has led the assisting charts, but what about his goal-scoring? Well, Yamal hasn’t scored a significant chunk of goals for Barca and has been more of an assister, but we have seen some quality goals from him this season. Once his shots become more polished, it’ll be over for opponents.
The Raphinha-Lamine Connection: A Much-needed Partnership
The famous MSN trio of Barca taught us how important good chemistry between the front three is. If the attackers understand each other’s movements, it develops a mental connection between them. Raphinha and Yamal’s connection on the flanks has shown signs of peak footballing chemistry. Yamal has picked out Raphinha’s lightening runs so many times this season on the counter.
Raphinha’s strong runs and Lamine’s flair synchronize perfectly with each other. The duo has been special and complemented each player’s shortcomings.
Are We Expecting Too Much from Lamine?
While Yamal has been pivotal in Flick’s system this season, it’s essential to know that the youngster is only 17. The player received some backlash in the past few weeks for his lousy decision-making and for going for goals instead of passing. I think some leverage must be given to Lamine, as at his age, players are usually evolving. It’s only that he is a special case and already playing like a 25-year-old.
The same was the case with Raphinha in the past two seasons. Look where he stands now. He is a potential Balon d’Or nominee and one of the best players in the world. So, culers must not be too eager with Lamine; we have not seen the best of him yet, and it’s still a long way to go.
Laminha’s Role in Winning the Champions League
One thing is for sure: if Barca dreams of winning the UCL this season, this Lamine-Raphinha connection must continue to thrive. They must continue providing assists and scoring goals, too (if Lewandowski lets them). The more G/A Lamine and Raphinha have under their belts, the more titles Barca will clinch this season.
The Raphinha-Yamal assist statistics show their important final third passes, and instinct. If only 75% of the chances these two create are finished by Lewandowski or co., I think it would be more than enough to win all of Barca’s remaining matches this season.