Marco Van Basten has called for a change in how Barcelona uses rising star Lamine Yamal, suggesting the teenager should be given a more central attacking role to maximize his influence.
Barcelona’s Champions League run came to a halt against Inter, ending Yamal’s hopes of lifting the trophy as a minor. Still, the 2007-born winger remains a top contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, with his talent and potential drawing widespread praise.
While most fans and pundits see Yamal as a natural right winger, able to cut in dangerously on his left foot, Van Basten sees untapped potential through the middle.
“For me, it’s a shame that he plays as a right winger because he doesn’t get the ball enough. If he played more centrally, he would have much more influence on the game,” Van Basten told Ziggo Sport.
The former Milan great believes Yamal’s ability to score, assist, and dictate play suits a central role better: “He can score, deliver crosses, and create clear chances – a player this talented should be more central to the play.”
