Stats show Barcelona face alarming reality without their €150 million-rated sensation | OneFootball

Barcelona’s recent run of form has largely been attributed to the absence of Lamine Yamal, forcing many fans into a dilemma of whether the team is too dependent on the youngster at this point.

Indeed, it is too early to judge whether the team’s deficiencies in recent games are down to the teenager’s injury and resultant absence. After all, the team has been generating threats from multiple sources and has appeared well-oiled.

However, it is clear that it is no mere coincidence and the numbers speak for themselves.

Barcelona’s contrasting record

To put things in perspective, of the 33 games Barcelona have played so far with Yamal starting since his debut, they have won a staggering 27, drawn three and lost three. That makes their win percentage with him on the field a stunning 82%.

Further, the Blaugrana averages 2.64 goals per game with him on the field, a statistic that clearly shows how he impacts the play in the final third.

Barcelona have struggled without Lamine Yamal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Without him starting, however, Barcelona have won just 10 of their 19 games and see their win percentage drop to an alarming 53%. They have even lost four times without him available and have drawn the five remaining games.

What is more is that Barcelona’s average goals per game fall to 1.79 without Yamal, implying a difference of almost one goal in every game in his absence.

In recent weeks, Barcelona lost against Real Sociedad after Yamal’s latest injury and then went on to draw against Celta Vigo.

Later tonight, they will once again be without his services as they take on Brest in the UEFA Champions League and it remains to be seen if they can prove the ‘Yamal-depencia’ theory wrong.

As it stands, the Catalans hope to have him back against Las Palmas and Hansi Flick will hope he meets the recovery deadline this time around.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.