Comparing young football talents is always tricky, but the comparisons between Rodrygo Goes and Lamine Yamal have raised eyebrows.
While both players have had impressive seasons, the stats reveal that these comparisons are not only unfair but also disrespectful to the versatility and performance of Rodrygo.
If we were to compare their overall season stats it would not be fair to the young Spanish lad because although he played almost the same number of games as Rodrygo, (50, just 1 less than Rodrygo's 51), the Real Madrid and Brazil winger managed 25 goal contributions to Lamine’s 17.
So we choose to compare their La Liga performances instead because it’s the competition where they played the same opponents over the same period.
Rodrygo's Stellar Performance in the 2023/24 La Liga:
Rodrygo Goes had a standout league season in 2023/24 helping Real Madrid lift the title. Playing 34 games and amassing 2,388 minutes, he netted 10 goals, all non-penalty.
With a conversion rate of 14.93%, Rodrygo proved his efficiency in front of goal. His ability to score from various positions on the pitch, predominantly with his right foot, made him a consistent threat.
Key Stats:
Games Played: 34
Goals: 10 (9 inside the box, 1 outside)
Assists: 5
Chances Created: 44
Dribbles Completed: 60
Dribbles Success Rate: 46.88%
Fouls Won: 46
Rodrygo also contributed significantly to his team's success by winning four matches with his goals. His versatility allowed him to excel even when played out of his favoured position on the left wing.
Yamal's Impressive, But Lacking League Season:
Lamine Yamal also had a strong season for Barca in the league as they fought their way to finish second on the league table, playing 37 games with 2,192 minutes. He scored five goals, all non-penalty, with a conversion rate of 11.36%.
While his left foot was his primary weapon, he managed to score one goal from outside the box, showcasing his range.
Key Stats:
Games Played: 37
Goals: 5 (4 inside the box, 1 outside)
Assists: 5
Chances Created: 36
Dribbles Completed: 70
Dribbles Success Rate: 54.69%
Fouls Won: 52
Yamal showed his skill in creating opportunities and his ability to beat defenders with a higher dribble success rate. Despite this, his overall impact in terms of goals and assists was less compared to Rodrygo.
Versatility: Rodrygo’s Ability to Play Anywhere Upfront Simply is Unmatched
One of the most significant aspects where Rodrygo outshines Yamal is his versatility. Rodrygo has played effectively in multiple positions: left winger, right winger, centre forward, attacking midfielder, and second striker.
This flexibility has allowed him to adapt to different tactical setups and contribute wherever needed and even though his favourite left-wing position belongs to Vini Jr, the former Santos man still manages to be useful and effective in other positions, something of every manager’s dream.
Rodrygo's Position Breakdown:
Left Winger: 65 games, 27 goals/assists
Right Winger: 114 games, 53 goals/assists
Centre Forward: 74 games, 30 goals/assists
Attacking Midfielder: 3 games, 1 goal/assist
Second Striker: 1 game, 0 goals/assists
Yamal's Position Breakdown:
Right Winger: 50 games, 17 goals/assists
Left Winger: 8 games, 0 goals/assists
Centre Forward: 1 game, 0 goals/assists
Rodrygo's ability to perform in various roles and still deliver top-notch performances highlights his superior tactical awareness and adaptability compared to Yamal, who has primarily played as a right winger.
Conclusion:
Rodrygo's 2023/24 season stats, versatility, and consistent performance make the comparisons to Yamal unfounded and disrespectful. While Yamal is undoubtedly talented, Rodrygo's ability to shine in multiple positions and deliver critical contributions to his team sets him apart.
It's essential to recognize and respect the unique strengths of each player rather than making unfair comparisons. Also, Yamal is just 17, and a long way off being 23, and if Ansu Fati is anything to go by, his comparisons to a Rodrygo that has been at the very top of football for more than 3 seasons now could be premature.
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