Barcelona is currently grappling with significant internal challenges in their attacking lineup, as star players Raphinha and Lamine Yamal have begun expressing their dissatisfaction with the team’s dynamics. Over their last six matches, the team has managed to secure only five points out of a possible 18. This poor run of form has allowed rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to close the gap at the top of the La Liga standings, with both teams now in a strong position to potentially overtake Barcelona in the race for the title.
According to a report from the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Raphinha and Yamal have been tireless in their contributions, consistently performing well both offensively and defensively. However, tensions have grown within the squad, particularly due to the role and performance of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. At 36 years old, Lewandowski has been struggling to match the energy and intensity of his younger teammates. While his primary focus remains on scoring goals, his reduced mobility and inability to press aggressively have placed a greater burden on players like Raphinha and Yamal, who now find themselves doing the majority of the running and defensive work in the attacking third.
This shift has disrupted the team’s balance, as Lewandowski’s physical limitations, which are a natural consequence of age, have made it harder for him to contribute to key tactical aspects like pressing and rapid transitions. Sources close to the club suggest that head coach Hansi Flick is fully aware of the issue. Although Lewandowski’s goal-scoring prowess remains invaluable, his diminished ability to support the team’s overall strategy has left younger players like Raphinha and Yamal to shoulder additional responsibilities. This increased workload could eventually take a toll on their performances and potentially lead to fatigue.
Despite these challenges, Raphinha is currently in excellent form, and Yamal continues to impress with his exceptional composure and maturity, especially given his age. While both players deeply respect Lewandowski’s contributions and experience, they feel that the team must adapt its playing style to better distribute the workload and prevent them from being overburdened with off-the-ball tasks.
Barcelona’s upcoming match against Atletico Madrid is shaping up to be a critical moment for the team. Not only is the match essential for maintaining their position at the top of the La Liga table, but it also represents an opportunity for Flick to address the imbalances in the squad’s attacking dynamics. The outcome of this game could determine whether Barcelona can regain their attacking efficiency and restore harmony among their key players.
