Spanish media praise Barça standouts and see 'redemption' for Frenkie de Jong

Raphinha’s performance against Mallorca was nothing short of spectacular, solidifying his reputation as one of Barcelona’s most reliable players this season.

The Brazilian captain delivered his eleventh goal in just sixteen La Liga matches, a statistic that underscores his clinical finishing and consistency in front of goal. "Raphinha is unstoppable," Sport wrote, highlighting his average of one goal every 110 minutes an extraordinary return for any forward. His impact was particularly evident at Son Moix, where he showcased his technical skills, vision, and leadership, earning him the title of Man of the Match. The publication further emphasized that this season stands out as the best of his career, a testament to his evolution into a key player for the Catalan giants.

In addition to Raphinha, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal once again captured the headlines with a dazzling performance that belied his young age. Having recently returned from injury, Yamal slotted seamlessly back into the starting lineup, contributing an assist and several moments of brilliance that lifted Barcelona out of their recent slump. Mundo Deportivo described him as indispensable to the team, coining the term "Lamine-dependencia" to illustrate his growing influence. "This team cannot do without him," the newspaper declared. "Lamine is as brilliant as he is lethal. During the second half, he prevented a fourth consecutive setback." Yamal’s ability to read the game, combined with his creativity and composure under pressure, not only re-energized Barcelona but also solidified his status as one of the most promising young talents in world football.

Barcelona’s victory against Mallorca was a much-needed morale boost, particularly after a challenging period that saw the team go three consecutive league matches without a win. At halftime, the game was still delicately poised at 1-1, but the Blaugrana found another gear in the second half, dominating proceedings to secure a convincing win. Marca noted the difference that Yamal’s presence made in turning the tide for the Catalans. "Without Yamal, Barça is less exciting and less dynamic," the publication stated. "He makes the difference. After this win, people in Barcelona will sleep a bit more peacefully."

Frenkie de Jong's Redemption

Another standout storyline from the match was the resurgence of Frenkie de Jong, who entered the game with just 18 minutes left on the clock but made an immediate impact. The Dutch midfielder, who has struggled for form and consistency in recent weeks, found the back of the net shortly after coming on. Then, in the final moments of the match, he set up Pau Víctor’s goal to complete the 1-5 rout. His performance drew praise from Mundo Deportivo, which noted that De Jong was deployed in a role that better suited his strengths, allowing him to excel without being burdened by the more physically demanding tasks of midfield. "Frenkie played this time in a midfield position that better suits his current form. He had more freedom and stayed away from areas that demand greater intensity and physicality from him," the newspaper wrote.

Sport echoed this sentiment, describing De Jong’s performance as a turning point. "The redemption of Frenkie de Jong," the publication declared, adding that the match could serve as a confidence booster for the Dutchman. De Jong’s teammates also rallied behind him, with Raphinha expressing his delight at seeing the midfielder make such a decisive contribution. "Frenkie really deserves this," Raphinha said. "He works incredibly hard and also spends a lot of time helping his teammates. Frenkie is one of the leaders in this team. We are all very happy for him after this performance."

A Positive Shift for Barcelona

As the year nears its end, there is a sense of optimism around Barcelona following this result. AS noted the symbolic importance of the victory, suggesting that it marked a turning point for a team that had been struggling to find consistency. "Led by Raphinha and Lamine, Barça is once again making a positive impression as they head toward Christmas. The holiday lights are on, and the Catalans have ended a poor November run. Frenkie de Jong seems to have shaken off his mental block, with a goal and an assist to his name."

This match not only halted a worrying run of form but also highlighted the depth of talent in Barcelona’s squad. Raphinha’s leadership, Yamal’s brilliance, and De Jong’s resurgence provided a glimpse of what the team is capable of when firing on all cylinders. With the team now seemingly back on track, the focus will be on building momentum heading into the second half of the season, as they aim to challenge for domestic and European honors. For fans, the performance against Mallorca offered renewed hope and a reminder of the club’s potential to achieve greatness with the right blend of youth, experience, and tactical coherence.