AFCON 2025
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has outlined the specific areas winger Lamine Yamal must improve upon to reach the absolute ‘GOAT level’ of his career.
Yamal has already proven his immense talent since joining the Barcelona first team, notably finishing second behind winner Ousmane Dembélé in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings.
However, Flick believes the 18-year-old needs to focus on aspects beyond his attacking talent, stressing that natural ability alone is insufficient for reaching the top tier of the game.
Flick confirmed that the young Spaniard must integrate defensive duties into his game. Speaking about Yamal, the manager said, “He is exceptional, but there are other exceptional players on the team. He’s 18 years old, and he also has to focus on working.”
Lamine Yamal has scored or assisted in each of his last 6 games for club and country. ⚽️🅰️ pic.twitter.com/qSjrmW7n8l
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) October 1, 2025
The German coach emphasized the need for hard work and a commitment to the team’s defensive structure:
“To get to the next level, one or two steps higher, you have to work hard; talent alone is not enough.
“It is not just about playing with the ball; it’s also about defending. That is what we need from all players, not just him.”
