Hansi Flick insists the teenager’s work off the ball was more impressive than the goal
Real Oviedo coach Guillermo Almada has praised Lamine Yamal as being out of this world after the teenager’s delightful strike for Barcelona on Sunday.
Barcelona ran out 3-0 winners over Oviedo at Camp Nou, Yamal wrapping up the win with a superb bicycle kick.
“We are talking about a player from another galaxy,” Almada said. “He has so much quality and delivers in key moments in games. He is already a star that, despite his age, is able to decide matches.”
Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick said the goal was impressive but that it was the winger’s off-the-ball work that pleased him more.
“For me, much more important was what Lamine did for the first goal,” Flick said. “The way he pressed and how he recovered the ball leading to that goal is what we want. This was the key to opening this game and the three points.
“For me, it was more important than the third goal. But, of course, everyone loves to see the goal he scored in football and I am happy that he scored such a goal.”
Flick also addressed the manner of the victory. Barcelona had a poor first half, mustering a shot on target only near the end. They eventually scored three in the second half, two of those from mistakes by Oviedo.
“Oviedo had nothing to lose,” Flick said. “They were brave, pressed high and we didn’t play at our best level – at least in the first half.
“The second half was better. We have game after game, a lot of travel, back late at night, it’s like that. There are almost no days off. This is what you also have to see.
“Yes, it’s professional football, it’s normal, it’s their job, but I can see team gives their best, especially in second half.”
