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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick believes teenage winger Lamine Yamal is gradually returning to his best as the Spanish champions prepare to face Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Monday.
Yamal, 19, endured a difficult outing in Barcelona’s opening league match against Elche but showed signs of improvement in the following game against Athletic Bilbao, despite failing to score.
The winger has been working his way back to full sharpness after suffering a hamstring injury in April. He subsequently featured at the World Cup but had limited individual impact despite Spain winning the tournament.
Flick said Yamal’s recovery needs to be viewed in the context of the injury, his World Cup involvement and a three-week holiday before returning to Barcelona.
“I know everyone is worried about how is Lamine, how is he doing. And of course, look at his situation, he played a World Cup after a huge injury,” Flick told reporters on Sunday.
“Now he’s coming back after three weeks holiday… and also the first game maybe was not his best game. But I said this, I was very happy that he starts the game and he worked for the team.”
Yamal completed 90 minutes against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday and Flick believes the game time is important as the youngster rebuilds his match fitness. The Barcelona boss also noted that he saw moments of the winger operating at the level expected of him.
“He played 90 minutes against Bilbao. And for him at the moment, it’s also good to (have) 90 minutes on the pitch,” continued Flick.
“We saw him in some situations really on this top level. And now, you couldn’t see this in the training (session) today, but I saw it and it was excellent.”
Flick added that Yamal remains in good spirits and has the backing of the Barcelona dressing room as he works towards regaining his best form.
“Everyone loves Lamine and he’s in a good way. And we have to support him and we do that.”
Barcelona have won both of their opening league fixtures, with Raphinha operating as a makeshift centre-forward after the club failed to secure their preferred target, Julian Alvarez. Flick, however, said he was satisfied with his available squad while sporting director Deco continues efforts to strengthen the team.
