Accent on youth at Can Barça

Youth in football has its supporters and its detractors. Players without experience are not able to face certain challenges, say some. However, at Barça, and looking at the performances of 16 year old Lamine Yamal and 17 year old Pau Cubarsí, this argument simply does not stand up. 

Three starters under 19 

Barça's win against Mallorca on Friday in the Estadi Olímpic was achieved, in part, thanks to the efforts of the 16 year forward and the recently turned 17 centre back, Lamine scoring a wonderful for the winner and Cubarsí helping the blaugranes to a third clean sheet in a row. 

Xavi Hernández in his post-game press conference highlighted the contribution of experienced campaigners like Gündoğan and Iñigo Martinez, the youngster grabbed the headline with three U19s in the XI as striker Marc Guiu got his first start for the first team in the league. 

Lamine's goal, only within reach of the best 

The decisive moment in the game against Mallorca came with Lamine's perfectly curled finish into the top corner from just inside the box. Advanced data analysis shows that Lamine had just a 2.1% chance of finding the net, the lowest of all the goals Barça have scored this season in the league. 

Furthermore, with the ball at his feet, Lamine attempted eight dribbles, more than anyone else in the game. 

Cubarsí, tough up against two strikers 

Pau Cubarsí also shone in the contest, up against two tough customers in Mallorca strikers Muriqi and Larin. At just 17 years of age he did not lost one single challenge against the two forwards during the whole game. 

An excellent passer 

After winning an early battle with Cyle Larin, Cubarsí went from strength to strength making a total of 29 passed in the opponent's half with an 89.66% success rate, the second highest of the season. 

Youth had its day against Mallorca with Lamine, Cubarsí, Guiu and fellow teenager Vitor Roque all making significant contributions to picking up three more points in the battle for the league title.