Barcelona manager Hansi Flick described Lamine Yamal as the best player in the world after the teenager inspired a 5-2 victory away to Real Betis.
The result gave Barcelona a ninth successive league win, matching Real Madrid’s record, while Yamal was named man of the match after scoring an outstanding goal.
“It was an intense match, but it was also a fantastic game for the fans and everyone who loves football,” Flick said. “Lamine’s goal today was simply unbelievable. In my opinion, he is the best player in the world right now, and I’m delighted with his performance.”
Yamal has faced significant pressure despite being only 19, having featured in almost every match for the national team. Flick said the forward’s concentration and commitment had enabled him to deal with those demands.
“He is incredibly focused and gives everything to every aspect of his game,” the Barcelona boss added. “He has been excellent. His performances and attitude are beyond reproach – that is what you expect from a star player.”
Barcelona now have two days to assess their squad before next Tuesday’s match against Paris Saint-Germain. Flick said the priority was to allow his players to recover before deciding how to manage their minutes and select the starting line-up.
The condition of Eric Garcia remains unclear, while Jules Kounde and Gerard are also carrying issues that will need to be monitored.
“We still have two days, so we will see where things stand then,” Flick said. “But in my view, the most important thing is today’s match, because it was important to win this game before the next round of league fixtures.”
Garcia was taken off after feeling that something was not right near the touchline. He believes he suffered only a knock, but Barcelona will wait for test results before confirming the extent of the injury.
Flick also explained Yamal’s substitution, saying the scoreline made it the correct decision to remove him. The forward had been booked, but the manager said the change was not solely about the yellow card.
“Given the scoreline on the pitch at that point, we obviously should have substituted him,” Flick said. “I told him I was very proud of him because he had played a good game.”
Asked about Cucho’s handball and Facundo Bernal’s red card, Flick said he had not seen the incident involving the disallowed goal and therefore could not assess it.
Barcelona’s victory took their record to nine wins from nine matches, 27 points and 39 goals. Flick welcomed those figures but insisted trophies remained the priority.
“Setting records is fantastic, but trophies are what really matter,” he said. “Our mentality and the way we’re playing are outstanding, and everyone contributes defensively.”
He also praised the team’s desire to keep attacking even after taking a three-goal lead, saying Barcelona had controlled the match while maintaining their normal approach.
“We want to score goals, and I am very pleased with the team’s attitude,” Flick added.
