Lamine Yamal getting back to ‘top level’, Barcelona coach Flick says

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has indicated that teenage star Lamine Yamal is finding his way back to his “top level” before Monday’s La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano.

The 19-year-old struggled in Barca’s first match of the season at Elche but improved against Athletic Bilbao in the second, Flick said, although he did not find the net.

“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.

Flick said the Spanish World Cup winner is returning to his best, which Yamal has not hit since suffering a hamstring injury in April.

The winger returned at the World Cup but, despite Spain’s success, had limited individual impact at the tournament.

“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 disappointed in the first half against Athletic on Thursday but stepped up a gear after the break.