Hansi Flick Backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d'Or Glory

Flick supports Yamal's big claim

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has backed Lamine Yamal's belief that he deserves to win the Ballon d'Or. The teenager, who is 19, recently said that he and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe are the best players in the world, and that he should take home the trophy.

The individual prize will be handed out in London on October 26. Other top contenders include Harry Kane and Ousmane Dembele. Flick welcomed Yamal's confidence ahead of their upcoming match.

"He has shown this season how good he is. He's exceptional," Flick said. The coach added that Yamal deserves it after winning LaLiga and the Spanish Supercopa with Barcelona, alongside the World Cup with Spain.

No worries about distractions

Flick previously warned his players that big egos can hurt a team, but he does not think Yamal's ambition will become a problem. He wants his players to stay focused on hard work and winning team trophies first.

Yamal has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, scoring seven goals in six appearances. Flick praised his spectacular finishing and improved fitness, noting that the young winger can score from almost any situation on the pitch.

Squad rotation on the cards

Barcelona are looking to maintain their perfect start to the league season as they prepare to host Racing Santander. Flick is expected to make some changes to his starting lineup, with Gavi and Alejandro Balde both pushing for minutes.

Gavi has only made two appearances this season after picking up an injury in the opening game. Balde has not played at all, with Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart performing well at left back. Flick admitted that Balde is not happy about the lack of minutes but praised his effort in training.