Hansi Flick heaps praise on 18-year-old Lamine Yamal ahead of Barcelona’s trip to Betis, highlighting his defensive work, attacking impact and fearless mentality, with seven goals and eight assists already this season.
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Hansi Flick used his press conference on Friday, ahead of Barcelona's away game at Betis on matchday 15 of La Liga, to place a big spotlight on Lamine Yamal.
The German coach did not just give a routine compliment. He went into detail about why the young winger has become such an important part of his project and why his development in the last months is impressing everyone inside the club.
Flick underlined that Yamal is doing things very well in all phases of the game. He highlighted in particular the way the winger pressed against Atletico, pointing out that it was not just about talent on the ball but also about intensity without it. For a coach who values structure, compactness and collective work, seeing an attacking player sprint, close passing lanes and chase back in transitions is a key sign that the message is getting through. In Flick's view, Yamal is helping the team a lot, not only when Barcelona have possession, but also when they need to defend high or drop into shape.
One of the points the coach stressed was the clear improvement in Yamal's defensive work. Earlier in his career, the youngster was mainly known for his dribbling, his ability to beat a man and his creativity in the final third. Now, according to Flick, he has added discipline to that natural flair. He tracks back more consistently, supports his full back, and understands better when to press aggressively and when to hold his position. For a player of just 18 years of age, that kind of tactical growth is a very positive sign and makes it easier for the coach to trust him in big games.
At the same time, the German coach made it clear that the winger has also taken steps forward in attack. Flick is delighted with the way Yamal is combining his one-on-one ability with better decision making in the final pass and in his finishing. Seven goals and eight assists in 15 appearances show that he is not only entertaining but also delivering end product. The coach likes the balance he is finding between risk and efficiency: knowing when to take on his marker, when to release a teammate and when to slow the play down to keep control.
Flick also focused on an aspect that he clearly values a lot: mentality. In his analysis of Yamal, he praised the winger's attitude in duels. In one-against-one situations, when defenders make contact, Yamal does not immediately look for a free kick. In most cases, he stays on his feet and tries to continue the move. The coach pointed out that in a very high percentage of these actions, the winger is genuinely fouled, but still shows a strong desire to keep going. For Flick, that shows courage, competitiveness and respect for the flow of the game. It is the mentality of a player who wants to hurt the opponent with the ball at his feet, not one who is satisfied with stopping the game.
This resilience is especially valuable in a league where young talents are often tested physically. Defenders know that if they allow Yamal to turn or receive facing goal, he can create danger quickly, so they try to unsettle him with contact and aggression. That he continues to demand the ball, to dribble and to take responsibility despite this treatment is another reason why his coach admires him. Flick sees in him not only a technically gifted winger, but also a player who accepts the responsibility that comes with wearing the Barcelona shirt.
The numbers from this season support that impression. With 15 games played in all competitions and a direct contribution to 15 goals through seven strikes of his own and eight assists, Yamal is involved in a large share of Barcelona's attacking output. For a teenager, those statistics are impressive. They also explain why Flick speaks about him with such enthusiasm and why the club is building part of its future around him.
The coach's words come at an important moment of the season. The trip to Betis is the kind of match that can define the mood around the team, especially in a league campaign where every dropped point is heavily analysed. By highlighting Yamal's work rate and growth, Flick is sending a double message. Internally, he is rewarding the winger for his efforts and encouraging him to keep pushing. Externally, he is reminding everyone that Barcelona are not only fighting for results but also developing a new generation of leaders on the pitch.
There is also a tactical dimension to these comments. Against an opponent like Betis, who often try to play from the back and build through midfield, the role of wide players in pressing becomes crucial. A winger who can jump onto centre backs, close passing lines into the pivot and still be sharp enough to attack in transitions is a huge asset. Flick's praise suggests that Yamal will once again be trusted with that responsibility and that the game plan will rely heavily on his energy and decision making.
Beyond tactics, there is a clear emotional connection as well. Flick said that he loves what he sees from Yamal, that it is incredible to watch him at this level, and that he genuinely enjoys having him in the squad. For a young player, hearing those kinds of words from a coach with international experience can be a massive confidence boost. It confirms that his efforts in training and his performances in matches are being recognised at the highest level.
As Barcelona prepare for the Betis clash, Lamine Yamal stands out as one of the main reasons for optimism. He brings goals, assists, dribbles and creativity, but also pressing, work rate and a competitive attitude that fits perfectly with what Hansi Flick wants from his team. At just 18, he is already an important piece in the present and an even bigger part of the club's future, and the coach's latest comments only reinforce the idea that his role will continue to grow as the season progresses.
Updated: 02:52, 5 Dec 2025
