Hansi Flick has made it clear that he has no plans to change Lamine Yamal’s position, despite recent suggestions that the Barcelona prodigy might thrive in a more central role.
Yamal had a quiet performance in Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in last weekend’s Clasico, a result that left Los Blancos five points clear at the top of LaLiga.
The 17-year-old has endured a slow start to the season, struggling with a persistent groin injury. Since the end of August, he has scored only once across club and country — during the 6-1 Champions League win over Olympiacos.
Former Barça legend Carles Rexach recently suggested that Yamal could follow in Lionel Messi’s footsteps by moving inside to a number 10 role, but Flick disagrees.
“I think right now, the way to get back to his best version is by playing in his main position,” Flick told reporters.
“In some situations and games, he can operate inside, but for him the most important thing is to touch the ball a lot — that’s how he creates things.”
Barcelona’s upcoming opponents, Elche, have made a strong start to the campaign, losing just two of their first ten matches to sit eighth in the table. Flick praised coach Eder Sarabia’s possession-based philosophy:
“I like how Elche play — they find solutions and work well as a team. We must press them according to our plan. I liked the last two training sessions, and it’s great to have Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski back, even though we’ve lost Pedri.”
Pedri is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Barcelona – Ferran Torres: Could make his 100th LaLiga start (36 with Valencia, 63 with Barcelona). He has been involved in three goals in his last three games vs Elche.
Elche – Andre Silva: Has scored four of Elche’s last seven league goals, including two away from home.
MATCH PREDICTION – BARCELONA WIN
Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 21 LaLiga meetings with Elche (17 wins, 4 draws), winning the last eight in a row — their longest-ever run against the side. At home, Barça remain undefeated in 24 league matches versus Elche (17 wins, 7 draws), marking their best record against any single opponent.