Balde defends Yamal amid scrutiny over teenage star’s form
Following an early-season injury and a controversial comment before El Clásico, the 18-year-old has struggled to regain top form. Now, teammate Alejandro Balde has spoken out in his defence.
Rising pressure
According to Goal.com, Yamal picked up a pubic area injury while on international duty with Spain in September. Though he has since returned to action, the forward has found it difficult to replicate the electrifying performances that made him one of Europe’s most talked-about young talents.
Barcelona’s full-back Alejandro Balde, however, insists the teenager deserves more credit than criticism. “It’s true that he’s always in the spotlight, but I think Lamine is a great professional despite his young age,” Balde said. “What he is doing at only 18 years old is incredible. Sometimes people don’t appreciate what he does, as they should. At his age, what he’s doing can’t be described in words.”
From controversy to comeback
The scrutiny intensified after Yamal’s remarks ahead of the October 26 clash against Real Madrid.
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During a livestream, he jokingly accused Madrid of stealing, prompting a quick rebuke from streamer Ibai Llanos, a known Los Blancos supporter. The young winger later appeared unsettled during the match, which Barcelona lost 2-1.
Just a week later, Yamal helped restore calm with a strong showing in Barca’s 3-0 win over Elche. Balde provided the assist for Yamal’s early goal, helping the teenager to deliver a confident 88-minute performance before being substituted.
Managing pain and expectations
Despite flashes of brilliance, Yamal is still nursing the same injury that sidelined him in September. After the Elche match, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick confirmed the player’s condition remains a concern. “He has to manage his injury; he’s disciplined,” Flick said. “He has to train, undergo treatment… he’s doing it. I can’t say the injury is over; it comes and goes.”
The German coach added that maintaining balance between recovery and performance is key for Yamal’s long-term development.
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Off-pitch attention
Beyond the field, the teenager has also faced personal challenges. Following the heated post-Clásico exchanges with Madrid’s Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr, Yamal trended on social media for reasons unrelated to football, his reported breakup with his partner added further unwanted attention aswell
Yet, his achievements remain remarkable. Yamal became the youngest player to win the European Championship last year at just 16 and later guided Spain to the UEFA Nations League final before turning 18.
Barcelona now turn their focus to the Champions League, where they face Club Brugge in Belgium on November 5.
Currently ninth in their continental group, the Catalan side will hope a third victory under Flick can tighten the five-point gap separating them from La Liga leaders Real Madrid.
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Their final fixture before the international break sees them visit Celta Vigo, a chance to steady momentum before a packed post-break schedule.
Sources: Goal.com
