Kroos praises Yamal and denounces Barça's defensive frailty
Toni Kroos, former midfielder of Bayern, Real Madrid and the Germany national team, praises Lamine Yamal's explosive performance at the Metropolitano while criticizing Barcelona's defensive frailty, noting that only Cubarsí stands out among its defenders.
Toni Kroos, former midfielder of Bayern, Real Madrid and the Germany national team, has become an active football analyst on social media, following international news, according to the EFE agency and reporter MOHAMED MESSARA.
In his analysis he recalled that Lamine Yamal and he had faced each other in several Clasicos and international matches, highlighting the youngster's performance at the Metropolitano.
Kroos did not miss any detail of Atlético's 1‑2 victory over Barcelona last Sunday, praised Yamal's first 25 minutes and explained why Hansi Flick opts for such an advanced defense.
According to Kroos, Yamal created numerical advantages without needing to receive the ball in perfect positions, generating chances through his own individual brilliance.
Critique of Barcelona's defence
Kroos noted that Barcelona does not have a defender comparable to Bayern's Upamecano and that, among its four centre-backs, only Cubarsí stands out for his strength and speed in one‑on‑one duels.
Steven Gerrard puts 19‑year‑old Lamine Yamal above Messi and Ronaldo
He added that the other three Barcelona defenders cannot face a striker alone with 30 metres of space behind the defensive line.
Cubarsí explained that when an opponent breaks Barcelona's press, a wide space appears in front of defenders who lack exceptional defensive ability and the speed needed to recover it.
With this style of play, based on creating many chances, Kroos forecast that it will be very difficult for Barcelona to implement it in the Champions League, where defensive solidity is also required.
Kroos concluded that he loves Barcelona's current style, but believes the team lacks the exceptional defensive quality needed to avoid problems with that approach.
Javier Gascón stated that Lamine is more advanced than Messi and Cristiano at the same age.
Roger Torelló commented that Lamine plays as if the pitch were his.