Barcelona reject major tactical switch for Lamine Yamal – report | OneFootball

Barcelona have no plans to change Lamine Yamal’s position despite their continued pursuit of a centre-forward, with the club’s coaching staff convinced the teenager remains most effective on the wing.

It must be remembered that there has been internal discussion about attacking solutions as Barcelona continue to search for a new No. 9.

However, according to reports from El Pais, moving Yamal into a permanent false nine role is not one of the options currently being considered.

The club continue to prioritise the signing of Julian Alvarez, although the complexity of negotiating a deal has forced the sporting department to assess alternative targets rather than rely on a single transfer.

Yamal has shown on occasions that he can drift into central areas and influence games between the lines, drawing comparisons with the role Lionel Messi gradually adopted during his Barcelona career. 

Even so, the coaching staff believe those moments should remain situational rather than become his starting position.

Barcelona want to maximise Yamal’s freedom

Barcelona are not planning positional change for Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The report states that Hansi Flick’s staff feel Yamal is at his most dangerous when he begins from the right wing and is free to attack defenders in one-on-one situations.

Keeping him wide allows Barcelona’s other attackers to create the physical presence that opens spaces for him, wherein players such as Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Raphinha are viewed as important pieces.

This would ultimately give Yamal the freedom to drift inside when opportunities arise without carrying the responsibility of leading the line.

Rather than asking him to play with his face against the goal, the coaching staff want him receiving the ball facing the opposition, where his acceleration, close control and creativity can have the biggest impact.

Yamal sees a central future – but not yet

The interesting aspect of the story is that Yamal himself does not rule out a positional evolution.

The 19-year-old has previously admitted that he eventually sees himself operating more centrally, believing it would help him escape the constant double and triple marking he faces on the flank. 

Lamine Yamal will continue to play on the wings. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Receiving the ball between the lines, turning towards goal and dictating attacks is something he feels suits his long-term development.

“I’m actually more decisive when I receive the ball and turn in central positions than when I’m out wide,” he had said.

For now, however, he also recognises that remaining on the wing is what best serves the team.

“But right now, I think it’s best for the team that I play on the wing,” he added.

Barcelona appear to share that view. While Yamal may occasionally drift into central pockets during matches, there is no intention to build the attack around him as a false nine. 

Instead, the focus remains on bringing in a recognised striker who can complement his strengths rather than change them.