Lamine Yamal hailed as world’s best player after Barcelona win

Barcelona strengthened their position at the top of La Liga with a convincing victory over 10-man Real Betis on Saturday, as Lamine Yamal produced another outstanding performance in Seville.

The Spain forward opened the scoring after only 10 minutes, cutting inside to beat a defender before sending a superb finish into the far top corner.

Yamal also provided an assist during an impressive evening for the Catalan club, earning glowing praise from both Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and Rodri, who scored his first goal for the club.

“His goal was simply fantastic,” Rodri told DAZN after the match. “He gets us used to seeing performances like that. There is nothing more to say. Players like him are the ones who make the difference.”

Rodri also highlighted the wider contribution Yamal makes to the team.

“But I also take into account everything else he brings,” he said. “His work ethic and his solidarity with the rest of the team, in particular. He helps us find our feet.”

The midfielder added that Yamal had been slightly drawn into the provocation surrounding the red card shown to a Real Betis player, although he said he was unsure to what extent.

Flick was even more emphatic in his assessment of the 18-year-old, describing him as the best player in the world.

“Lamine Yamal is the best player in the world,” said the German. “When I substituted him, I told him that I was proud of him.”

Barcelona’s attention now turns to a major Champions League test, with Flick’s side travelling to face Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday evening.

Flick said his squad was in excellent condition ahead of the match.

“Everyone is in top form,” he said. “I say it at every news conference because I see it every day.”

Rodri expects Paris Saint-Germain to provide a demanding challenge and said Barcelona were fully focused on the French club.

“It will be a good test,” he said. “We are concentrating on Paris Saint-Germain. They may well be the best team in the world.”