Hansi Flick Hails Lamine Yamal: "The Best in the World Right Now"

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick described Lamine Yamal as "the best player in the world" after the Catalan side's young star produced another superb performance.

Yamal starred with two goals and an assist as Barcelona beat Real Betis 5-2 to maintain their perfect record in LaLiga. The young winger has now provided a direct goal contribution in nine consecutive matches in all competitions (nine goals, ten assists), the most productive spell of his club career.

Speaking about Yamal, who this season also became the first player in Europe's big five leagues to reach 10 assists in all competitions, Flick stressed that his pupil is at the summit of the game on current form.

Flick said of Yamal: "When you look at the first goal he scored, you see something incredible; he is definitely the best player in the world right now. I am extremely happy with his performance. Of course there is pressure on him and he plays in almost every match, but he is 100 per cent focused and committed on the pitch. His attitude and performance are simply immense; that is exactly what great players are like. After the match I told him he had produced a wonderful game and that I was proud of him."

With the win over Betis, Barcelona became only the second LaLiga team since Real Madrid in 1968-69 to start a season with nine wins from nine in all competitions.

But the German coach quickly turned his attention to Tuesday's crucial Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain: "The most important thing right now is to rest and recover. How we manage the players' minutes in Tuesday's match is hugely important. We will look at the situation and field the best XI. Eric Garcia's condition is not clear, and Jules Kounde has minor problems too. We will monitor developments."