THat There is no doubt that Lamine Yamal is one of the best players in the world. That’s an overwhelming reality, and the diminutive Barcelona winger confirms it in almost every game. However, according to Hansi Flick, there was one aspect of the game that needed improvement. The goal was to contain the opponent’s play. His approach was almost exclusively about verticality and attacking movement and action, making little sacrifices to prevent opponents from circulating the ball. But he has improved a lot.
The 18-year-old international winger showed some flaws when it comes to forcing opponents into mistakes through pressure. He found it difficult to sacrifice himself for defensive duties and focused on attack and vertical play. Hansi Flick was not the only one to criticize him on several occasions. The German manager has often lamented that, with the exception of Rafinha, his attacking players did not put in enough effort to require quick, coordinated action to win the ball back, which is why the team missed the Brazilian so much during Rafinha’s injury absence.
Lamine Yamal pushes Rafinha hard after the Brazilian scores for FC Barcelona
“In order to take one step, two steps, to the next level, you have to work hard. Talent alone is not enough. It’s not just about playing with the ball, it’s also about defending. That’s what Lamine and all the players need,” Flick said on the eve of the Champions League game against PSG at the end of September, a speech repeated by the former Bayern Munich manager. “It’s not just a question of the four defenders. It’s a question of the midfielders and the forwards… who are they going to start pressing? That’s what every player on the pitch needs to do – press,” he said a few days ago, a little irritated after the defeat against Chelsea.
However, Ramin quickly organized his actions. He was the player who stole the ball the most in La Liga matchday 19 against Atlético Madrid last Tuesday. A total of nine times in the 87 minutes he was on the pitch. This number also surpassed Pedri, who played eight games. The rest of the starting attacking players were far behind him, with Rafinha and Lewandowski tied for three points. The attacker wore overalls for the collective good and was frustrated by Simeone’s men’s inability to build the game and be organized. He developed a containment game that drew attention and drew applause from the coaching staff.
Ramin, leader of records
However, all the sacrifices made to force opponents into mistakes did not prevent Barcelona’s star player from continuing to shine in attack. Lamine has played in 18 games between La Liga and the Champions League, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists. In fact, he is the player who gave away the most last passes in the domestic league and Europe’s top five leagues. Similarly, the typical winger leads the dribbling table. No other player has completed more dribbles in the last few months of 2025-2026, with 60 dribbles in the Spanish competition (nine against Atlético). The player born in Roca Fonda is already a complete soccer player.
