‘He cannot have any space’… Philipp Lahm reveals how he would try to stop ‘astonishing’ Barcelona player | OneFootball

There is always an expectation at a club like FC Barcelona for players to deliver in big moments. After all, as one of the world’s most prestigious clubs, it only makes sense. However, when stars like Pedri and Lamine Yamal wear the Barcelona badge, even the highest expectations can be blown out of the water.

Despite their young age, these players have consistently showcased their talents this season and even before. Seen as the future pillars of this team, it is no surprise that the club holds them in high regard and wants to build a project that is centered around such sensational players.

Philipp Lahm praises the talent and impact of Lamine Yamal

In the case of Yamal, in particular, Barcelona are hopeful about ensuring his continuity at the club. Still just 17 years old, the Spanish winger has already taken the world by storm and he is a player that every defender dreads coming up against due to his ability to dismantle any defensive structure that is in front of him.

However, Bayern Munich legend Philipp Lahm recently gave his own input regarding Yamal as well. In an article for The Athletic, the German legend first praised the young Barcelona sensation, calling him an ‘astonishing’ player, before giving his own opinion on how he would defend him if he had to:

“Lamine Yamal is astonishing. For his age, he is astounding. He makes quick decisions, never takes more touches of the ball than he needs and often finds his team-mates with just a few touches. He can outplay opponents with a frequency and precision that only the very best possess, and gives Barcelona the ability to create chances in all sorts of ways.”

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal celebrates after winning the Copa del Rey. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

To further explain what he was saying, he spoke about the recent Copa del Rey final in which Lamine Yamal put in a top performance for Barcelona against Real Madrid:

“For example, think of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final and the two goals he created. The first for Pedri, by drawing defenders in on the goal line and cutting a pass back to the edge of the box. And then the second, with the long pass for Ferran Torres. Did you notice how close his marker was and how little space Yamal had when he played that ball? Incredible!”

Lahm explains how he would try to stop the Barcelona winger

As for when it comes to defending him, Lahm believes that Lamine Yamal is a player with whom it is crucial to restrict the space that he has and to always force him on to his weaker foot:

The mere fact that a legend like Lahm speaks so highly of Yamal is an accomplishment in its own right. At the same time, however, the young Barcelona player is someone who keeps reinventing himself and continues to hone his craft. While Lahm’s methods might be effective in containing him in theory, executing those ideas in an actual game is another challenge in itself.