Barcelona boss Flick loves Yamal's 'spirit'

Hansi Flick praised superstar Lamine Yamal for his “spirit” ahead of Barcelona's trip to Real Betis in LaLiga.

Yamal has continued to shine for the Spanish giants, directly contributing to 12 goals (five goals, seven assists) in 11 LaLiga games, more than any of his team-mates.

The 18-year-old has also created the most big chances for Barca in the Spanish top-flight this season (eight) and completed the most dribbles (60), with Pedri’s 20 the second-most.

After struggling against Chelsea, and compatriot Marc Cucurella, in the Champions League, Yamal responded with a goal and an assist against Alaves before another strong performance against Atletico Madrid last time out.

Flick believes the winger has strengthened his game all over the pitch while keeping his hunger when attacking.

“He has improved enormously in attack and defence,” said Flick.

“He always wants to beat his man, he wants more, and despite being fouled constantly he keeps going. I love his spirit.”

And on upcoming opponents Betis, Flick added: “Betis have a fantastic team with players of great quality. We have to do the same as we did against Atletico.

“It was a great win and it gives us more confidence, but we have to show it again.

“We’ve taken a step forward and shown that when we are well connected and play as a team, everything works.”

Betis are currently fifth in LaLiga, trailing leaders Barca by 13 points while having played a game less than their counterparts.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side are unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions and have only lost twice all season across LaLiga, the Conference League and Copa del Rey.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Real Betis – Pablo Fornals

Pablo Fornals has been involved in seven goals (three goals, four assists) in 14 appearances for Betis in the league this season.

It is his highest tally in a single LaLiga campaign since 2017-18 with Villarreal (15 – three goals, 12 assists).

Barcelona – Ferran Torres

Ferran Torres has scored five goals in 10 LaLiga appearances against Betis, his most against a single opponent in the competition.

He has also been involved in seven goals in his last four top-flight matches against them (five goals, two assists).

MATCH PREDICTION: BARCELONA WIN

Barca have not lost any of their last 14 away games against Betis in LaLiga (W10 D4), since a 3-2 defeat in March 2008. They have won more away games against Betis than any other side in the competition since the 2008/09 season (10).

Flick’s side have scored in each of their last 35 LaLiga matches (94 goals), their longest scoring run in the competition since a 37-game streak under Ernesto Valverde between February 2018 and February 2019 (99 goals).

Betis have not won any of their last seven LaLiga matches against Barca (D2 L5) but have drawn the last two; they last avoided defeat in three or more consecutive league games against them in April 2005 (G3 W1 D2).

And the hosts will take some hope from the fact that Barca have dropped points in two of their last three away games against Andalusian teams in LaLiga (W1 D1 L1), as many as in their previous ten such matches in the competition (W8 D1 L1).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Real Betis – 26.4%

Draw – 22.5%

Barcelona – 51.1%