Lamine Yamal given strong advice on how to become one of the greats by Barcelona coach Hansi Flick amid Lionel Messi comparisons

Flick was full of praise for Yamal, having seen the 17-year-old continue to establish himself as a key player for club and country in recent weeks. However, the German coach insisted Yamal still had more to do if he wanted to fulfil his potential of becoming a Barcelona great, with the wonderkid having recently been compared to club legend Lionel Messi.

Yamal played in 37 of Barcelona's 38 La Liga games last season, prompting concerns from some observers who are worried the teenager could suffer from fatigue and burnout without rest. Barcelona have already seen youngsters Gavi, Pedri and Ansu Fati suffer serious injuries at a tender age, having played a substantial amount of football upon their breakthrough in the first team.

Flick said: "I think Lamine is at a high level but, at his age, he can and still has to improve. It's great to see him training day after day. But he has to move forward, improve, work hard. Champions don't rest. And I think that's good advice. If he wants to be a great champion, he can't rest too much, he has to keep going and going."

Barcelona face off against Girona on Sunday looking to continue their 100 per cent start under Flick, with Yamal likely to start as he has done for every game so far in the new season. Barca know a win against their local rivals would extend their lead at the top of the table to four points.

Yamal, meanwhile, will be hoping to continue his own fine start to the season, which has seen the teenager score once and grab four assists in his opening four La Liga appearances.