'No other way to describe him' - Lamine Yamal labelled a 'genius' by Hansi Flick but it's 'not easy' to manage Barcelona ace

Barcelona manager Flick has challenged wonderkid Yamal to stay grounded and continue working hard after another stunning season in Catalonia. The teenager helped the Blaugrana reclaim the La Liga title just under a year after his stunning performances powered Spain to glory at Euro 2024.

Yamal contributed nine goals and 13 assists in 35 La Liga matches during the 2024-25 season, while he also struck five times during his side's run to the Champions League semi-finals. His reputation has grown at an incredible rate and Flick is conscious of making sure Yamal is looked after while he is still a youngster.

Speaking to Barca One, Flick said: "Lamine is a genius, there's no other way to describe him, and he's only 17 years old. I think we have to help him. I hope he wants that too, that we can take care of him, because he's young and right now it seems like everything is easy. And it might seem easy, but it's not.

"If you want to play at the highest level for the next 15 years, you have to train very well and also be mentally at the highest level - that's what matters. Lamine is smart, he's intelligent, and it's not just about enjoying everything. You also have to work and work, because players with this kind of talent have to do that too."

Barcelona aren't among the teams playing at the Club World Cup next month but Yamal has been included in Spain's squad for the upcoming Nations League finals. The European champions face France for a place in the final against Germany or Portugal.