Hansi Flick says what Yamal must do to become like Ronaldo and Messi

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick marveled at Lamine Yamal's talent but implored the teenager to imbibe one key attribute if he harbours ambitions of reaching the levels attained by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 

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After Yamal's headline-grabbing performance in the 3-3 draw against Inter last midweek, Barcelona journey to the Jose Zorilla this weekend to face the relegation-doomed Valladolid. 

In the pre-match press conference, Flick was quizzed about Yamal's performance in midweek, especially about his projection, given the incredible level he has already attained at 17. 

Flick lauded Yamal's talent and ingenuity but sounded out that the Spain international would only reach the heights of Messi and Ronaldo by working hard. 

“He knows what I want from him,” Flick said, per SI. "When you are able to play at this level, you have to show it again. It's not about one game. Every player has potential to get better and this is also what he needs.

“Its not only the talent, the genius he is, it's also hard work when you want to reach this level, [like Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Lionel] Messi, the big, big players in the past. 

“We all have to stay calm and let's see what happens. We are really happy that he's playing with us and he's on this level at 17, it's unbelievable.”

The teenager has been talismanic for Hansi Flick's side this term. His goal against Inter was his fifth this Champions League campaign, and it followed a Copa del Rey final triumph over Real Madrid in which he notched two assists. 

While he is expected to be rested in the match at the Zorilla, Yamal had also been influential in Barcelona's LALIGA campaign. He has been playmaker in chief for the Blaugrana, generating 25 big chances and registering 12 assists to the 6 goals he scored.