Barcelona star Lamine Yamal admits trick is straight out of computer game

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal returned to the starting line-up for the Catalan giants on Tuesday evening and was once again key for his side, providing two assists and creating a third. He has been heavily involved in the last few goals, thanks to what is increasingly becoming a trademark off-the-boot or 'trivela' pass.

A skill he showed to scandalous effect against Villarreal earlier this season. The 17-year-old was back to his best against RCD Mallorca and was crucial in their 5-1 win. After one try was cleared, the first time his trivela wreaked havoc was his assist for Raphinha, who came from the right side of the penalty area and allowed the Brazilian to score an easy goal.

On the second occasion, Lamine Yamal fired Pau Victor behind the Mallorca defense with another curved ball straight into his path, and the former Girona man was able to pull the ball over for Raphinha to score his second.

Lamine Yamal spoke to TV3 after the match and answered questions about his passing with a smile.

“It's something I do well and I will continue to do. It helps the team and I will keep trying. L2 is FIFA's button, I think,” he laughed.

The teenage star returned from almost a month's absence with an ankle problem on Saturday and played 45 minutes against Las Palmas, but was back in the starting line-up for their trip to Son Moix.

“My ankle is perfect, I'm ready to play whenever I need to.”

During the match, Sport said that the captain on the night Raphinha offered him the penalty he won, but Lamine Yamal politely declined so the Brazilian could take it. The pair seem to have a good relationship both on and off the field.

“I am very happy for Raphinha, we have a good understanding. And he knows that when I'm in that part of the field, I'm always going to try that pass.”

“It was a very important victory after two defeats [in three games] in La Liga. So it was important to win with a result like this. We are very happy. We have been good in the Champions League, but in La Liga we dropped stupid points. This was a big victory for everyone. The goals for those who play less will give them a lot of confidence.”

Lamine Yamal and Barcelona are back in action on Saturday with another tough away game away to Benito Villamarin to take on Real Betis. However, their victory moves them back four points clear of Real Madrid, even though they have played two more games.