Dutch legend Marco van Basten has suggested that Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal is being deployed in a position that limits his impact on the pitch.
Yamal, who is of Moroccan and Equatoguinean descent, is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in world football.
Reflecting on Barcelona’s recent Champions League semifinal loss to Inter Milan, Van Basten argued that Yamal’s talents are better suited to a more central attacking role, rather than being confined to the right flank.
Speaking on Dutch TV, Van Basten said, “It’s a shame that he plays on the right because he doesn’t receive the ball enough. It’s true that he is a constant threat, but if he played centrally, he would have a much greater influence on the game and could be more important for the team.”
Van Basten, known for his clinical finishing and football intelligence during his playing days, believes Yamal has the potential to become an even more decisive figure for Barcelona if given the chance to operate in the heart of the attack.
“I think this will be his next step. He can cross and score more often from that position,” Van Basten added, hinting that a role change could unlock another level in the young forward’s development.
