Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has fired a warning shot at La Liga over Lamine Yamal’s development.
The 17-year-old has become a crucial player for club and country in the last 12 months following an astonishing rise from the famed La Masia ranks.
The teenager is now a first-choice pick for Flick and La Roja boss Luis de la Fuente ahead of a crucial few months for the winger.
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He laid on an 11th La Liga assist of the season for Dani Olmo’s opening goal in the 2-0 victory at Las Palmas which keeps Barcelona just ahead at the top of the league rankings.
That extends his lead at the top of La Liga’s assist charts, but he is also in the top ten for fouls drawn in league action this season – with 43 – which included a bruising night in Gran Canaria.
Lamine Yamal posted a image on social media of his bloodied foot after the game, after a host of fouls were not flagged up, and he is now a doubt for the Copa del Rey semi final first leg against Atletico Madrid on February 25.
Lamine Yamal on Instagram: “No foul!”. 🚨🩸 pic.twitter.com/z7W5o23qJH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 22, 2025
Flick is determined to ensure his winger is well looked after by officials amid huge focus of refereeing standards in La Liga this season.
“I’m optimistic. But, we have to wait and see if he [Lamine Yamal] can play [vs. Atletico Madrid], but I see the situation as positive given what the doctor said. We want him with us,” as per reports from Marca.
“We can’t just ask for Lamine Yamal to be protected, we also have to ask for Raphinha, for all players.
“It’s our obligation to protect them. We have to protect everyone, not just the special players. In Spain, everyone loves one-on-one situations and that makes Lamine Yamal special.
“But it also happens to Real Madrid and other teams with their players.”
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