'Without a doubt' —  Barcelona coach addresses Lamine Yamal best in the world claim

'Without a doubt' — Barcelona coach addresses Lamine Yamal best in the world claim

Faruq Ibrahim 18:36 - 24.09.2024

Hansi Flick weighs in on the conversation about Lamine Yamal's place among the best players in the world.

Barcelona's manager Hansi Flick recently addressed the growing claims that 17-year-old Lamine Yamal is already the best player in the world. 

Lamine Yamal: Teen sensation

Although he made his senior debut in the 2022/23 season, a league game against Real Betis, it was last term he had his breakout campaign. 

Fifteen, and then sixteen, Yamal was a bright spark in a gloomy campaign for the Blaugrana, in which they went trophyless. 

Merely a youngster with a bright future at the end of last season, he is already getting proclaimed as the best player in the world only one summer after. 

Now 17, the Barcelona star witnessed an incredible growth spurt in the last few months, both physically and in terms of his standing in the game. He led Spain offensively to triumph in the European Championships in Germany and has carried the vein of form into the 2024/25 campaign.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski pictured on August 24, 2024 (Credit: Imago)
Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski pictured on August 24, 2024 (Credit: Imago)

So far this season, he has scored three goals and provided five assists in six starts, the most goal contributions by any player in LALIGA. Hence, many have not shied away from crowning him the best player in the world. 

What Flick said 

The Barcelona boss, in a recent press conference, was presented with these claims, and although he was not as quick as many to name Yamal the best player in the world, he believes the Spain international will reach those heights in the near future.

“Is Lamine the best player in the world? Quality has nothing to do with age. Is he the best? He could be, without a doubt,” Flick said, per Football Espana.