Flick Confirms Lamine Yamal Approaching Peak Form Ahead of Rayo Vallecano Fixture

The young forward delivered a shaky performance in Barcelona’s season opener at Elche but showed marked improvement against Athletic Bilbao, according to head coach Hansi Flick.

Published On 30 Aug 202630 Aug 2026

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has suggested that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is gradually returning to his peak performance levels ahead of Monday’s La Liga encounter with Rayo Vallecano.

The 19-year-old attacker endured a difficult outing during Barcelona’s opening match of the campaign at Elche, though Flick noted a noticeable upturn in his display against Athletic Bilbao, even though he failed to score.

“I know everyone is concerned about how Lamine is doing, about his current form. And of course, consider his circumstances — he participated in the World Cup following a significant injury,” Flick shared with reporters on Sunday.

Flick mentioned that the Spanish World Cup champion is rediscovering his best form, a standard Yamal has not reached since sustaining a hamstring injury back in April.

The winger made his comeback at the World Cup, yet despite Spain’s triumph, he had a minimal personal influence throughout the competition.

“Now he is returning after three weeks of vacation, and naturally, his first game might not have been his strongest performance.

“However, I mentioned before that I was genuinely pleased he began the match and contributed defensively for the squad.”

Yamal underperformed during the opening half against Athletic on Thursday, but elevated his play considerably after the interval.

“He completed the full 90 minutes against Bilbao. For him right now, accumulating 90 minutes on the field is also beneficial,” Flick elaborated.

“We observed him in several moments operating at that elite level. While we couldn’t witness it during today’s training session, I did see it, and it was outstanding.

“Everybody adores Lamine, and he is progressing well. We must back him, and we are certainly doing that.”

Yamal appeared visibly frustrated following the match against Elche, but seemed in better spirits during training ahead of the Rayo contest.

“Naturally, it is always encouraging when the players are smiling, though they aren’t in the same mood every single day,” Flick remarked.

“I don’t smile every day either. That is simply how things are.”

Barcelona secured victories in both of their initial fixtures, with Raphinha deployed as an improvised center forward after the champions were unsuccessful in their pursuit of primary target Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.

“Naturally, I am satisfied with my squad. Deco [the sporting director] is actively working to enhance the team. We are not feeling any pressure,” Flick stated, reaffirming his satisfaction with his current roster should Barcelona fail to acquire a new striker.

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