Have Barcelona finally learned their lesson after the overuse of Fati and Pedri?

Since Fati and Pedri’s breakthrough into the FC Barcelona first team, they have experienced non-stop high-level football with both club and country. Both of them were handed their senior team debut in their teens and this has resulted in mixed results for their careers.

There is no doubt about their talent but overuse came at an enormous price with the pair getting injured regularly. Pedri played over 5,000 minutes as an 18-year-old, too much even for a player who is at his peak. Fati grabbed well over 1,300 minutes in his debut campaign at the tender age of 17.

Pedri has suffered five hamstring injuries with a list of others and Fati has been through four knee surgeries in only six months. It’s definitely a matter of concern as both of them are only 20 and have a long career ahead of them.

FC Barcelona will be careful in Lamine Yamal’s Case

According to journalist Jordi Cardero, Barça’s management have decided to take it easy with Lamine Yamal. Yamal was handed his first team debut at just 15 and continues to shine for both the senior and reserve team. He has assisted thrice in eight appearances till date for the first team.

Lamine’s playing style can be compared to the likes of Lionel Messi. Once when he was only 12 Marca titled, ‘Lamine Yamal shows shades of Messi’. Xavi wants to protect him from these comparisons which tends to put a lot of pressure on young players.

The management also said that they’ll be alternating him between a starting XI position and substitute so that he is not overplayed. The kid has the skills to play at the top but still has a long way to go. Making the same mistake with Yamal as the Blaugrana did with Pedri and Ansu will only delay his development. Now how effectively can Barcelona deploy this strategy is to be seen.