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FC Barcelona has been experimenting with Lamine Yamal in central attacking roles, a development that mirrors a broader positional evolution the club has navigated before with its most celebrated talents.
On December 7, 2025, interim coach Hansi Flick deployed Yamal as a No. 10 against Real Betis. The result was a 5-3 victory in which the teenager contributed both creatively and defensively from the center of the park.
Flick described Yamal’s performance in the central role as “incredible,” calling it a new tactical option for the team.
The conversation about repositioning Yamal has been simmering for longer than most fans realize. Discussions about his potential move to a more central role reportedly date back to his time at La Masia, Barcelona’s famed youth academy.
Born on July 13, 2007, Yamal is already recognized for his versatility across multiple attacking positions, including striker, attacking midfielder, and right winger.
Barcelona’s squad dynamics also make this evolution logical. The club is navigating a transitional period, managing aging players while integrating emerging talents into a cohesive system. Yamal’s central role exploration is aligned with this strategy.
The structural parallel to Messi is valid. Barcelona has institutional knowledge of how to manage this kind of positional transition, having guided Messi from the right touchline into a free-roaming No. 10 role over several seasons. Notably, there are no direct quotes from Yamal regarding plans to move positions; coverage has focused on club and coach decisions.
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