Lamine Yamal
BAR
First free-kick goal in brilliant outing
Lamine Yamal scored one goal and assisted twice from four shots and four chances created in Wednesday's 5-1 victory versus Feyenoord.
Analysis: Yamal has hit top gear after a slow opening to the season, and he was the difference again in Barcelona's Champions League opener against Feyenoord. The winger supplied two assists and scored his first ever free kick goal, and he beat his marker at will with seven successful dribbles. That takes him to five goals and two assists across his last three appearances, and with a strong summer of recruitment behind them, Barcelona could push for every trophy with Yamal as the focal point of the attack.
Brace during massive win
Yamal scored two goals to go with eight shots (four on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and five chances created in Sunday's 5-0 victory over Valencia.
Analysis: Yamal was a vocal point for Barcelona on Sunday as he typically is, not scoring once in the sixth minute but adding another in the 84th minute. This continues a great run for the forward over their past two games, recording a brace in both. Those four goals account for all of his goal contributions in four appearances so far this season.
Starts against Valencia
Yamal (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Sunday's La Liga clash against Valencia after overcoming the knock he picked up in training earlier this week.
Analysis: Yamal's place in the lineup confirms the issue wasn't significant enough to restrict his availability, despite Barcelona also having a Champions League fixture against Feyenoord on Wednesday. The winger enters Sunday's contest in strong form after scoring his first two goals of the season in the 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano. His ability to create separation in one-on-one situations and provide both scoring and creative output from the right wing should remain central to Barcelona's attack this season.
Set to return vs. Valencia
Yamal (undisclosed) has been included in the squad for Sunday's match against Valencia.
Analysis: Yamal picked up a knock in training earlier in the week, but the star forward has been included in the squad to face Valencia on Sunday. It remains to be seen whether he'll start, especially given that Barcelona play Feyenoord in the Champions League next Wednesday, but his inclusion in the squad is a positive sign. Yamal is coming off scoring his first two goals of the season in the 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano the last time out.
Will travel with squad
Yamal (undisclosed) took a knock in training that was hurting him but will travel for Sunday's clash against Valencia and will maybe play, according to coach Hansi Flick, per Diario AS. "Lamine took a knock, it was hurting him a bit and that's why he trained alone today. He trained individually and everything is fine. He will travel with us tomorrow, and then we will decide tomorrow whether he can play."
Analysis: Yamal has been in strong form this season, contributing a brace with two goals from 15 shots and 13 chances created across three LaLiga appearances, and this update offers some reassurance after his absence from team training had raised concern ahead of the Valencia match. Karim Adeyemi could still see increased playing time if Yamal is ultimately unable to feature from the start of the game.
Not spotted in training Saturday
Yamal (undisclosed) was not spotted in Saturday's team training session ahead of Sunday's clash against Valencia, according to Alfredo Martinez of Onda Cero Radio.
Analysis: Yamal has been in strong form this season, contributing a brace with two goals from 15 shots and 13 chances created across three LaLiga appearances, including his recent two goal performance in the win over Rayo Vallecano. His absence from Saturday's team training session raises some concern ahead of the Valencia match, and Karim Adeyemi could see increased playing time if Yamal is unable to feature.
Scores first goals of season
Yamal scored two goals to go with six shots (two on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and seven chances created in Monday's 5-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano.
Analysis: Yamal opened his La Liga account for the new season in the 21st minute, unleashing a powerful left-footed strike from just inside the box into the top corner after Marc Bernal's assist to give Barcelona a 2-1 lead they would never relinquish, before adding his second in the 90th minute to complete the scoring. He was dangerous and direct throughout the match, having been active and threatening from the opening minutes before Rayo stunned Camp Nou with their 12th-minute opener, and returned to his best after a quieter start to the campaign. Yamal now has two goals from 15 shots and 13 chances created in three La Liga appearances this season.
Shines in Thursday's win
Yamal generated seven shots (three on goal), six crosses (two accurate) and two corners in Thursday's 2-0 victory against Athletic.
Analysis: Yamal was not directly involved in either of his side's goals Thursday, but that didn't stop him from having an elite performance. He took seven shots and created five chances in the match, somehow not recording a goal contribution despite that volume. He also recorded six crosses -- after recording zero in the season opener -- and took two corners in his full 90 minutes of action.
Back at Ciutat Esportiva
Yamal has arrived at Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva to begin preseason preparations, fresh off winning the World Cup with Spain, according to Jijantes FC.
Analysis: Yamal contributed one goal across eight appearances during the tournament, adding to a standout LaLiga campaign in which he was named Player of the Season after scoring 16 goals and adding 11 assists to drive Barcelona to the title under coach Hansi Flick. Still remarkably young, he remains a nailed-on starter on the right wing with elite volume across goals, chance creation and set pieces, and there's little reason to expect a dip in output as he continues to develop. Yamal is expected to build up his fitness as preseason gets underway.
Productive despite lack of goal
Yamal recorded four shots (two on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 1-0 win over Argentina.
Analysis: Yamal shouldered much of the attacking load for Spain, though he was ultimately unable to find a way past Emiliano Martinez during the title victory. The young star added to his tallies of 27 shots (12 on target), 35 crosses (seven accurate) and seven chances created across eight appearances (seven starts) in the 2026 World Cup. While his final output of one goal and zero assists was rather disappointing, he looked in great shape considering he had recently recovered from a muscular issue prior to the tournament, and he stood out as one of the most dangerous attackers in the competition.
Back in training, will play Sunday
Yamal returned to training Friday and will be available for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
Analysis: Yamal didn't feature in Thursday's training session, but he's back in training two days before the final and shouldn't have problems playing and handling his regular workload. The star winger only has one goal in the World Cup, but he should be a key element of the attack. In seven World Cup appearances, he's averaging 3.3 shots, 1.4 chances created and 4.3 crosses per game.
Rested from training Thursday
Yamal didn't train Thursday due to rest but is expected to be fit and available for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday, Juan Jimenez of Diario AS reports.
Analysis: Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said Yamal isn't injured, but he wanted to give the star winger a day off following the grueling battle against France. This isn't too surprising given Yamal's recent injuries and that the final is a couple days away. Yamal has had a subdued World Cup with one goal and no assists, but his presence is felt every game. He should be ready to roll Sunday in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina.
Wins penalty versus France
Yamal registered one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Tuesday's 2-0 win versus France.
Analysis: Yamal managed to produce a big chance and draw a penalty kick for the opening goal even in one of his least impressive showings in terms of dribbling play. The star player didn't take any shots this time, but he had previously been quite persistent, tallying 23 attempts (10 on goal) and scoring once over 495 minutes on the field. Spain will likely rely on Yamal's talent on the right wing, with the attacker also possibly returning to set-piece tasks in the decisive game after taking no corner kicks against France.
Attempts six shots, can't score
Yamal recorded six shots (two on goal), six crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Friday's 2-1 win against Belgium.
Analysis: Yamal led Spain in shots and crosses, but the star winger remains unable to find the back of the net. Even though the 18-year-old has been one of Spain's most dangerous players in the tournament, his fantasy contributions and end product have been somewhat scarce with just one goal to his name. He'll have a tougher test against France on Tuesday in the semifinals.
Three shots, no goal
Yamal had three shots (two on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Monday's 1-0 victory over Portugal.
Analysis: Yamal was unable to bag a goal contribution for a third match in a row this World Cup, as the forward was the main focus of the Portuguese defense most of the contest. He would still record three shots and three crosses to go along with five tackles, taking on numerous battles with Nuno Mendes (strain) until his exit. That said, the forward remains with only his lone goal this World Cup, having yet to bag an assist.
Unfortunate not to score
Yamal generated six shots (four on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Thursday's 3-0 win versus Austria.
Analysis: Yamal came close to finding the back of the net in the second half when Spain was already leading, but his effort was cleared off the line by an opposing defender. The Barcelona winger showed his elusiveness and flair to get past opponents with ease, and he only missed the goal to round out what could've been his best World Cup showing to date. More importantly, Yamal logged 85 minutes, meaning he should be able to handle a full workload in the Round of 16 and for the latter stages of the knockout rounds.
One shot Friday
Yamal recorded one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Friday's 1-0 victory over Uruguay.
Analysis: Yamal was a bit underwhelming Friday after a goal in Spain's last match, as the forward would only record one shot, although he did earn three chances created. He is now up to three shots, eight shots and 16 crosses in three appearances (two starts) this World Cup. He will look to have more of an impact in the knockouts, likely taking it easy and not wanting to risk too much against a physical Uruguay squad.
Starts, records goal
Yamal recorded one goal on five shots (two on target) in Sunday's 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Analysis: Yamal was in the starting XI to face Saudi Arabia after he was a bench option in the opener against Cape Verde, appearing to be nearly fully recovered again. He would score a goal to kick off the action, netting a goal just 10 minutes into play. This gives the young superstar his first World Cup goal, with many more likely to follow. Even though he only played 45 minutes, he is seemingly still efficient, recording a chance created, five shots and six crosses to go along with the goal.
Could Start, full 90 unlikely
Yamal is not yet fit to play 90 minutes but could start or see increased minutes, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said when asked about the possibility of him starting, per El Correo: "Yes, but not to play for 90 minutes yet. We'll see if we're more interested in him starting the match or coming on during it. We'll assess how he's doing. He's getting better every day, he's already at a level, with a lot of desire to show the world his football potential and ours more. And we'll see, I insist, if we're more interested in him starting or coming on later during another moment of the match."
Analysis: Coach Luis de la Fuente had mapped out a careful return to action for Yamal with the plan to build his minutes steadily but the draw against Cape Verde has complicated that thinking. Spain struggled to break down a low defensive block without him and when Yamal came on the difference was immediately visible as his directness and ability to unsettle defenders stood out. That kind of impact could put pressure on the coach to consider starting him sooner than intended. It remains unclear whether He will alter his approach but a full 90 minutes looks off the table regardless.
Makes World Cup debut
Yamal generated two shots (zero on goal), seven crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Monday's 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.
Analysis: Yamal, who has not played in any match since April 22 due to a hamstring injury, was an option off the bench Monday. Manager Luis de la Fuente likely would have wanted to keep him off the field in what was expected to be an easy victory, but with Spain's attack struggling to find a winner, Yamal subbed onto the pitch in the 71st minute to make his World Cup debut. He did not look hampered by his injury at all, and Spain's attack looked much more threatening once his pace and skill was on the field. Despite his seven crosses and two shot attempts, he still wasn't able to help find a winner. It's unclear if Yamal will now return to the starting XI Sunday versus Saudi Arabia, but a victory in that match is now even more important after dropping points Monday, so Yamal will likely be involved one way or another.
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