Why Barcelona is concerned with Lamine Yamal's national call-up?

There is growing concern at Barcelona regarding the high number of rough tackles targeting Lamine Yamal and the perceived leniency of referees in addressing these fouls.

During a recent match against Serbia, Kristijan Belic committed a foul on Yamal just seven minutes after entering the field. Reports suggest that this tackle may have been a result of instructions from his coach, Dragan Stojkovic.

The tackle was aggressive and poorly executed, causing Yamal significant pain and lifting him off the ground. Fortunately, the young Barcelona and Spanish winger was able to anticipate the foul and protect himself, preventing more serious injury.

Another Serbian, Veljko Birmanzevic booked a yellow for his tackle to Yamal, who was foiled 3 times in the game.

Yamal is fouled thrice in every match 

The situation had a drastic resemblance to La Liga where the teenager is constantly fouled intentionally by the opposition. The lack of protection, Yamal must receive from the referees is adding to the woes of the already injury-prone club.

In the first four rounds of La Liga, Yamal has endured an average of nearly three fouls per match, a figure consistent with his performance in the Nations League debut with Spain.

His count of 11 fouls is surpassed only by Christantus Uche of Getafe (14 fouls) and Vinicius of Real Madrid (12 fouls). This is the price he pays for being the league leader in completed dribbles (15) and overall dribbles (31), as well as in assists with four before the international break.

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The new wonder kid is 'too skilful' for clean tackles

Yamal, at just 17, is already recognized for his exceptional attacking skills. Opponents struggle to defend against his impressive dribbling, often resorting to fouling him intentionally.

Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente demonstrated his confidence in the teenager by allowing him to play the entire match against Serbia, despite Yamal expressing some discomfort in his calf before the game. Following the match, Yamal underwent an MRI scan to evaluate the extent of the injury.

Fortunately, the scan revealed no significant injury, only a bruise. This positive news indicates that the young player may not require rest and could potentially play in the upcoming match against Switzerland.

De la Fuente addressed Barcelona’s concerns:- "It’s fortunate that they have such a high-level player and that he plays so many games for the national team. If he can’t handle 180 minutes in September, then there’s a problem.”

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