“Barcelona breezed past Real Betis, but did the match provide a glimpse of the next step in Lamine Yamal’s evolution as a footballer? Hansi Flick’s team were 4-1 up by half-time, propelled by a Ferran Torres hat-trick and summer signing Roony Bardghji’s first Barca goal, and eventually won 5-3 to complete a fine week. They beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 four days earlier in another convincing performance and remain established at the top of La Liga’s table after 16 games. Flick had plenty to feel excited about in Seville, with Yamal’s new position particularly eye-catching. The German manager opted to start the 18-year-old as a central attacking midfielder, rather than in his usual spot wide on the right. This is the role that Lionel Messi used to play during his years at Barcelona. …”
NY Times/The Athletic
Barcelona used Lamine Yamal centrally. He caused havoc
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“This time, it’s West Germany in 1990. This is remembered as the most negative, defensive World Cup, supported by the lowest goals-per-game figure on record, 2.21. It was so disastrous that FIFA and IFAB felt compelled to improve the spectacle afterwards, largely by clamping down on dangerous tackles and introducing the backpass law — although not, as was floated by some, by increasing the size of the goals. West Germany won the competition in somewhat unglamorous fashion, as their key matches were dominated by penalties and opposition red cards. But in the group stage, they played some good football, and in the knockout stage, they at least attempted to, which was more than most of their opponents could claim. …”
Scissors Kick 