Andres Iniesta praises Hansi Flick’s Barcelona and says Lamine Yamal’s rise is ‘not normal’

Andres Iniesta remains as impressed by Barcelona as ever. 

The club legend has praised Hansi Flick’s team for maintaining the style of football he associates with Barça, while also singling out Lamine Yamal and new signing Rodri for special praise.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Iniesta explained why he continues to enjoy watching both Barcelona and Spain, pointing to the talent and understanding of the game within the current generation.

“I love watching Barça and I love watching Spain. Just like before, like when I played. 

“They’re teams with that kind of style of play and players that I obviously like. 

“The way they play, and above all, their talent, their understanding of the game. You’re talking about the best,” he began.

Iniesta: Yamal’s development is not normal

Yamal was another major topic during the interview, with Iniesta making clear that what the teenager has already achieved cannot be considered normal.

Asked whether Yamal’s level is expected for a 19-year-old, the former Barcelona midfielder replied, 

“No, it’s not normal, because if it were, there’d be more players who could do the same. 

“It’s not normal, and the beauty and importance of it all lies in his ambition, his natural talent, and the fact that, if you stop to think about it, what lies ahead for him at that age is wonderful.”

Iniesta also stressed that Yamal’s biggest challenge now is sustaining that level after already collecting major trophies.

“The only thing is that the challenge for a footballer – and for teams like Barça – is year on year. In other words, it’s not about what you’ve won, but what you have to keep winning every year. 

“That’s the key, and that’s the challenge currently facing all these kinds of players who, at his age, have already won some very important – or even the most important – trophies, but who face the challenge of continuing to do so year after year.”

Rodri can take Barcelona to another level

Iniesta also believes summer signing Rodri can make a significant difference to Barcelona’s Champions League ambitions after arriving at the club.

“Yes, of course. Having a player like Rodri undoubtedly raises the standard. 

“A player like that, at his level, with the importance he holds within the team and his understanding of the game, clearly takes the team to the next level.”

Iniesta sees his Barça generation’s legacy

The Barcelona icon also linked the current generation to the footballing identity established by his former team and Spain’s golden generation.

“Surely all these players – and they’ve said as much in one way or another – have grown up witnessing or watching many of the situations we experienced in the past.

“There is, for example, a fairly significant contingent from Barça in this case, combined with various players from other teams who bring a great deal to the table, just as we do. 

“I think it’s brilliant; it’s a very striking identity and a joy to watch.

“As Spanish footballers, or as a country, we really identify with it and are very proud that the national team plays like this and has the impact it does. 

“Right now, there’s no national team quite like the Spanish one,” he concluded.