When Yamal tore up Euro 2024, he looked set to dominate from the right wing for years to come.
But since his return from his latest battle with pubalgia, the narrative has started to shift. The groin issue has clearly taken some of the edge off his athleticism and pace. For a wide player, those margins matter.
That drop-off has shown in his performances out wide. Since coming back, he hasn’t been able to beat defenders as consistently, and the usual burst that lets him separate in one-on-one situations has looked muted. The numbers reflect it too: fewer successful take-ons, less incision in transition and longer spells drifting in and out of games. It hasn’t been a collapse in form, but it has been a clear dip; one that lines up with the physical limitations caused by the injury.
Barcelona have a decision to make. Managing his minutes has already caused tension between club and country, and rushing him back wide – where the physical strain is highest – carries obvious risks. But using him centrally could ease the load. It limits the constant sprinting and repeated one on one bursts, both of which put stress on the groin.
None of this means he can’t return to being an explosive winger. He’s only 18, and once he shakes off the injury fully, that side of his game should come back. But right now, with the pace temporarily dulled and the physical edge still missing, the central role looks like a smart way to get the best out of him while protecting his long-term future.
Yamal is still one of the most gifted young footballers in Europe. He still creates at a world-class level. And whether he’s used wide or centrally, he remains vital to Barcelona’s future.
But in this moment, with the injury still lingering, playing him through the middle might be the best solution, both for the team and for his long-term development.
