"As such, the academy graduate has found the net in three consecutive league matches, scoring against Oviedo, Elche, and Mallorca. It is the most consistent scoring streak of his young career in the competition and a sign of his growing influence in the final third. What makes this run even more impressive is the timing. The 18-year-old has already surpassed his total goal numbers from last season, and the campaign is only in February."
"Now, as Barcelona prepare to face Girona, the opposition may have a major problem on their hands. This is because Michel's side will be without their only natural left-back, Alex Moreno, who has been ruled out for just over a month due to a calf injury. His absence leaves a clear gap in the defence, one that Yamal will be eager to exploit. Without Moreno, Girona's coach is weighing up several options. One possibility is shifting Daley Blind to the left side, though that could reduce the team's depth and mobility. Other alternatives include using Alejandro Frances or Hugo Rincon in unfamiliar roles, or even reshuffling the central defence by moving Axel Witsel and introducing Vitor Reis on the left. However, the most likely solution appears to be Arnau Martinez."
"Naturally a right-back, Martinez is known for his versatility, as he can play as a centre-back, defensive midfielder, left-back, or even in a more advanced midfield role. He has already shown his ability to handle elite attackers, most notably against Vinicius Jr,, and that experience could prove vital against a player as unpredictable as Yamal. However, stopping Yamal is never simple, especially when he is in this kind of form."
Barcelona travel to Girona with Lamine Yamal riding a three-match La Liga scoring streak after goals against Oviedo, Elche and Mallorca. The 18-year-old has already exceeded his total goals from last season before February. Girona will be without natural left-back Alex Moreno for just over a month due to a calf injury, creating a defensive gap that Yamal could exploit. Girona may deploy Daley Blind, Alejandro Frances, Hugo Rincon, or reshuffle central defence with Axel Witsel and Vitor Reis, but Arnau Martinez appears the most likely option. Martinez offers versatility and prior experience against elite attackers, yet Yamal remains difficult to contain in form.
Read at Barca Universal
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