Spanish-Moroccan prodigy Yamal backed to flourish as a no.10 at Barcelona

Lamine Yamal has been backed to thrive as a central attacking midfielder after delivering an outstanding performance in Barcelona’s 5-3 victory over Real Betis.

His assured display in the No. 10 role reinforced the belief that he can become a decisive creative force under Hansi Flick.

The 18-year-old,

who is of Moroccan and Equato-Guinean heritage, started centrally after injuries ruled out Dani Olmo and Raphinha.

The switch offered a fresh dimension to Barcelona’s attack and highlighted Yamal’s growing tactical range.

Flick said the idea emerged from discussions with his coaching staff and the player himself. “We asked him if he could envisage himself playing as a No. 10. He said yes, that he liked it, so we went ahead and tried it,” the German manager explained.

Yamal repaid that trust. He completed all 28 of his first-half passes, created Ferran Torres’s opening goal, initiated the move for the fourth, and converted a penalty for Barcelona’s fifth.

Flick was particularly impressed by the teenager’s work without the ball, saying: “I saw multiple actions of Yamal being very active in defence and getting the possession back. It was amazing and exactly what I wanted to see.”

Yamal’s ability to escape pressure and break lines forced Betis to adjust their press. With smart feints and bursts of acceleration, he drifted past challenges and disrupted Betis transitions until Manuel Pellegrini was compelled to make a half-time change.

His understanding with Pedri, Eric Garcia, and especially Roony Bardghji further strengthened Barcelona’s structure.

An academy source who worked with Yamal at La Masia and spoke to The Athletic said the teenager’s qualities make him perfectly suited to interior spaces.

“He is totally ready for it. Given his background in La Masia and how good Yamal’s decision-making is, he is too good a talent not to use in the inside pockets, where you can really hurt opponents,” the source noted. “I have no doubts: he is equipped to be great in there, too.”

Barcelona host Eintracht Frankfurt next in the Champions League, with Raphinha expected to return. Even so, Yamal’s commanding display has strengthened the case for him to feature centrally more often.