Ruud Gullit has sounded the alarm over Lamine Yamal, admitting he is “really worried” the Barcelona teenager will break down after being run into the ground by Hansi Flick’s side.
The 18 year old has already played 44 times in all competitions this season. He has shrugged off the pubalgia issues that plagued him earlier in the campaign. He is back to being inspirational. He is also being flogged.
Gullit has seen this movie before. And he does not like the ending.
‘They use him all the time’
Speaking to AS, the Dutch legend did not hold back.
“The only thing is, the team depends on him a lot. And he’s a very young player. I’m really worried he’ll get injured because they use him all the time,” Gullit said.
“And they say, ‘Yes, but he’s young.’ But you saw it with Pedri, with Gavi. They have to play in a World Cup. Then you go to play in a World Cup with the youngsters and then you get injured. And coming back from an injury is tough. So I hope it doesn’t happen again. Therefore, I love what he does.”
That is the fear. Pedri was run into the ground. So was Gavi. Both have spent more time on the treatment table than the pitch in recent seasons.
Now Yamal is on the same path.
Seven games plus a World Cup
Barcelona have seven games left this season. Yamal will start every single one of them if he is fit. That is not a prediction. That is a guarantee.
Then comes the World Cup. Spain will lean on him. Luis de la Fuente will build his attack around him. More minutes. More pressure. More risk.
Gullit is not saying Yamal should be wrapped in cotton wool. He is saying Barcelona need to be smarter. Rotate him. Protect him. Think long term.
But at a club where the manager is fighting for his job and the trophy cabinet is empty, long term thinking goes out the window.
The Pedri and Gavi precedent
Barcelona have history here. Pedri played 73 games in his breakout season. He has been broken ever since. Gavi was rushed back from injuries repeatedly. He has not been the same.
Yamal is more talented than both. That makes him more valuable. And that should make Barcelona more careful.
Instead, they are running him into the ground.
The bottom line
Lamine Yamal is a joy to watch. One of the most exciting teenagers in world football. But excitement without protection is a recipe for disaster.
Gullit has said what everyone is thinking. Barcelona are overplaying their crown jewel. And if he breaks down, the club will have only themselves to blame.
Seven games to go. A World Cup on the horizon. And a young body that has already been pushed to its limit.
Fingers crossed. But Gullit is worried. And so should Barcelona be.
