Robert Lewandowski was once again the match-winner for Barcelona on Saturday evening, but it was especially Lamine Yamal who received compliments after the home victory against Athletic Bilbao (2-1). And those compliments also came from the opponent. Coach Ernesto Valverde compared the teenager to Lionel Messi.
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Valverde, who was Messi's coach at Barcelona from 2017 until early 2020, couldn't help but compare Lamine Yamal to the Argentine superstar when praising the young talents coming up through the ranks at Barcelona.
Valverde, now coaching Athletic Bilbao, has seen firsthand the impact Yamal is having on the pitch. He spoke highly of Barcelona's youth players, emphasizing their potential and how difficult they make it for opponents with their unpredictable and creative play.
"They have very young players with a lot of talent," Valverde noted in his post-match interview with the Spanish media. "It's difficult to cover all the passing lines that Pau Cubarsí can find. And Lamine Yamal is so unpredictable that you never know where he will appear next. It's a bit like with Messi; they do things you can't stop," he said. Valverde's comments highlight the excitement and potential surrounding Yamal, who has been making waves with his performances.
Spanish newspapers also praised Yamal's outstanding display. According to Mundo Deportivo, the seventeen-year-old dribbler was masterful in his performance. "The Yamal effect is dazzling," the newspaper wrote. "He nullified the presence of Nico Williams, camouflaged the hurried departure of Gündogan, and ensured that the absence of the unregistered Dani Olmo went unnoticed. The talented youngster took Barça by the hand. Lamine Yamal is pure gold. He is the oil of a team that is still under construction, the gasoline that starts the engine."
The praise for Barcelona's new generation didn't stop there. Coach Hansi Flick, who recently took charge of the team, also received accolades from the Spanish media. The German coach has been credited with bringing balance and structure to the team, which has been reflected in their recent performances. According to Sport, "Amidst the chaos and commotion, it's great for Barça to have the methodical approach and common sense of Hansi Flick. We are only two games in, but a glimpse of the German's script is already visible. His team was superior to Athletic, won their second consecutive league match, and goes to sleep five points ahead of Real Madrid."
Flick's tactical adjustments and his ability to manage the squad effectively have been key to Barcelona's resurgence. The coach's strategic decisions have allowed players like Raphinha to shine in different roles. After the match, Flick specifically praised the Brazilian winger for his versatility and work ethic.
"Raphinha was impressive in midfield, especially given the absence of the unregistered Dani Olmo and the injured Frenkie de Jong and Gavi," Flick noted. "We know that Rapha can play in all forward positions. If he plays as a number 10, we can rotate positions a lot. He always puts pressure on, which is very good for the team. The dynamic with the rest of the players was good, he played very well."
Raphinha's ability to adapt to different positions on the pitch has been a significant asset for Barcelona, allowing them to maintain fluidity and creativity in their play. His defensive work rate and ability to press opponents have also been crucial, providing the team with a balanced approach that combines attack and defense effectively.
As Barcelona continues to integrate its young talents and build under Flick's guidance, the team's performances suggest a bright future ahead. With players like Yamal and Raphinha stepping up and making significant contributions, Barcelona fans have reason to be optimistic about the direction the club is heading.
Updated: 12:21, 25 Aug 2024
