Is another Lamine possible? The change that Flick hinted at in the Bernabéu

This tactical movement reignited an old debate: will the young winger end up leaving the flank, as Leo Messi did? It is a recurring question, as many of the most influential attackers in modern football started on the wing and ended up evolving into more central positions, where their impact on the game is greater.

A path reminiscent of Messi´s

In his early years, Messi also played close to the right wing, but over time he transformed into a false ‘9’ with total freedom of movement. His influence on the game and his connection to scoring led him to break historical records. Lamine, while acknowledging the differences, shows traits that invite thoughts of a similar evolution: he possesses a privileged peripheral vision, a great sensitivity in passing, and an innate ability to decide near the area. On one of the few occasions when the player himself referred to the topic, he was cautious. He pointed out that playing on the wing allows him to enjoy more one-on-one situations, while when he plays inside he encounters more traffic and less space.

Opinions from La Masia

Various coaches trained at La Masia believe that Lamine´s future lies, precisely, in playing more and more inside. One of them, Iván Carrasco, who coached him during his cadet stage, anticipated this two years ago: “I imagine him as a false nine. As a child, he already had something very difficult to see in kids: constantly perceiving the opponent. That’s why his first touch always gives him the right distance, and that would have a bigger impact on the interior game.” Albert Puig also highlighted the young player´s ability to connect with the game: “I believe that beyond the position, what suits him is not being the deepest player. Lamine expresses himself better when he has passing lines and some reference ahead.”

Flick´s first experiments

The Bernabéu was the perfect setting for Flick to conduct his first test with Lamine more centrally. The situation of the match required connecting the winger with the game while also protecting him from the physical efforts that the wing requires, especially considering the discomfort he has been carrying due to pubalgia. The orders came from Sorg, but it was Flick who decided to give him interior freedom to try to equalize the score. The German coach had already mentioned in a press conference that Lamine is having difficulties combining pressure with attack due to pubalgia. The doctors have warned that it is an injury that does not disappear quickly, so the player will have to learn to live with the pain for a good part of the season.

A less aggressive Barça without the ball

This season, the Barça has lost some of the energy it showed in high pressing. Factors such as the absence of Raphinha, Lamine´s discomfort, and the arrival of a Rashford less accustomed to pressing have reduced the aggression without the ball that characterized the team in the previous season. In the Bernabéu, Flick ended up placing Roony Bardghji on the right wing and granted Lamine total freedom between the lines, playing in the position of a playmaker or ‘10’. From there, the academy player showed some flashes of quality, like a precise pass to Koundé that, had he controlled it better with his chest, would have left him one-on-one against Courtois.

More prominence without Pedri

With Pedri out of action for more than a month, Flick could choose to involve Lamine more in the creation to gain fluidity and control in ball circulation. In this sense, both Lamine and Frenkie de Jong will need to step up to provide criteria and continuity to the team´s possession game.