Barcelona wrapped up their La Liga weekend with a thrilling 5–3 victory over Real Betis, but the biggest headline did not come from the scoreline alone.
Hansi Flick’s bold decision to reinvent Lamine Yamal as a central playmaker — operating in the coveted No.10 role — has sparked major excitement within the club. What began as an emergency solution due to an injury crisis evolved into a tactical revelation, showcasing a new dimension to the teenager’s already remarkable versatility.
The win also featured a hat-trick from Ferran Torres and the first Barcelona goal from winter signing Roony Bardghji. However, it was 18-year-old Yamal who seized the spotlight at Estadio La Cartuja, dictating the rhythm of Barcelona’s attack with maturity far beyond his years.
His movement between the lines tore Betis apart, his distribution was crisp, and he appeared involved in every attacking wave Barcelona launched. With this experiment, Flick may have stumbled upon a system that elevates both Yamal and the team’s attacking structure to a higher level.
A Forced Experiment: Yamal Steps Into the No.10 Void
Barcelona entered the match with a shortage of natural playmakers. Dani Olmo is sidelined for at least a month with a shoulder injury.
Raphinha, who had been tested in the No.10 zone earlier in the season, missed the final training session due to a minor hamstring issue. Meanwhile, Fermin López had only just returned from a calf injury and was not fully fit to start.
With limited alternatives, Flick had to improvise — and that is when the coaching staff floated the idea of deploying Lamine Yamal centrally.
“I spoke with Lamine about the new position,” Flick explained after the match.
“We considered the idea, asked him if he could imagine himself as a No.10, and he said he liked it. So we gave it a try.”
The shift also allowed Bardghji to slot in on the right wing, and the synergy between the two youngsters was evident from the opening stages. Yamal’s ability to drift wide, drop deep, or push forward created layers of unpredictability in Barcelona’s attack.
Immediate Impact: Yamal Dominates From the Heart of Midfield
From the first whistle, Yamal looked at home orchestrating play in central zones.
He recorded 79 touches and astonishingly completed all 28 passes he attempted in the first half — finishing the period with a perfect passing record.
Yamal assisted the opening goal for Ferran Torres, initiated the build-up to Barcelona’s fourth, and capped off his performance by scoring a penalty late in the match.
Perhaps the most memorable moment, however, came midway through the first half. Receiving a pass from Jules Koundé near the center circle, Yamal was instantly surrounded by three Betis players. With a simple drop of the shoulder, a sharp touch, and a burst of acceleration, he glided past all of them, forcing Sergi Altimira to foul him — earning the midfielder a yellow card and ultimately contributing to his substitution at halftime.
Yamal’s chemistry with Pedri and Eric García made the midfield function more fluidly, with the teenager sliding into pockets of space to destabilize Betis’ pressing structure. His interpretation of the role brought spontaneity and verticality Barcelona had often lacked this season.
The Hidden Growth: Defensive Workrate Earns Flick’s Praise
One of the criticisms often aimed at Yamal is his defensive contribution. Yet against Betis, the youngster displayed a new level of intensity and discipline when the team lost the ball.
Flick made sure to emphasize this after the match:
“One of the most important things today was seeing Lamine so active in defensive transitions. He won the ball back several times — it was fantastic and exactly what I wanted to see.”
Yamal finished the game with seven ball recoveries, a significant improvement that reflects his growing tactical maturity.
A standout example occurred late in the first half: when Betis tried to launch a counterattack through Pablo Fornals, Yamal sprinted nearly half the pitch to catch up, pressured him intelligently, and regained possession cleanly. That sequence drew applause from Flick and his staff.
According to Flick:
“He continues to grow. Lamine is a fantastic professional, and the way he embraces new responsibilities shows he is ready for more.”
A Tactical Discovery for Barcelona’s Future
Yamal’s performance as a No.10 has now given Barcelona a fresh blueprint. With his ability to glide past defenders, pick out vertical passes, and occupy half-spaces, he offers a dynamic alternative during injury crises — and possibly a new long-term option.
The experiment was born out of necessity, but the results suggest it may become part of Barcelona’s evolving tactical identity under Flick.
As the season progresses, the question is no longer whether Yamal can handle the No.10 role — but rather how far he can elevate Barcelona’s attack when trusted with the keys to their creativity.
ALSO READ :
