Barcelona may have stumbled in their Champions League opener, but they’re flying high in La Liga with an impressive unbeaten run. According to BD Cricket reports, the team under Hansi Flick is outperforming the version once led by Xavi. The only notable squad change this season was the departure of Ilkay Gündogan and the arrival of Dani Olmo, yet Barça’s attacking power remains fierce after six rounds. The difference lies in the new tactical energy and cohesion Flick has brought to the squad.
Fans have rallied behind Flick, viewing the Champions League loss as nothing more than a blip. Criticism, after all, often fades once the full picture is understood. Players—both starters and substitutes—are united in their ambition to break new ground this season. With the league campaign building momentum, excitement is also rising for the upcoming El Clásico. And right at the heart of this renewed hope is 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. Last season taught Barcelona the importance of patience; the iconic number 10 jersey remains retired for now, while Yamal continues to wear 19 as he steps into the spotlight.
If Yamal continues his current trajectory, there’s little doubt he’ll be Barcelona’s future number 10. BD Cricket commentators see him as the natural heir to the role, and fans are eager to see him face Real Madrid in what could be a clash of titans. Interestingly, the better Yamal performs, the more it highlights Kylian Mbappe’s underwhelming start at Madrid. While the two haven’t yet gone head-to-head, La Liga’s technical demands may prove challenging for Mbappe, who hasn’t yet shown he can adapt to Spain’s style of play. By the end of the season, his performance—or lack thereof—will speak volumes.
In the early rounds of the league, Yamal has already outshone Mbappe in key areas. As a winger, he’s quick, fearless, and clinical in front of goal. He seizes chances with maturity beyond his years—something essential for any forward aiming for greatness. Unlike some players who waste opportunity after opportunity, Yamal makes his moments count. More than just a scorer, he contributes to build-up play and often drifts into midfield to calm the tempo and link attacks. His outside-foot assist against Villarreal proved he’s more than just a finisher—he’s a creator too.
Meanwhile, Mbappe’s transition to La Liga has been rocky. Playing centrally at Real Madrid doesn’t suit him; he thrives on the wing, where he can burst forward and receive service. But at Madrid, surrounded by other stars who can both dribble and distribute, he isn’t guaranteed the spotlight. Add to that La Liga’s technical demands and his often-criticized ball control, and it’s clear Mbappe has work to do. BD Cricket notes that these flaws were already visible in Ligue 1, and in La Liga, the gap becomes even more apparent.
Mbappe’s adaptation remains inconsistent. One game he shows promise, the next he disappears. As things stand, the more Yamal shines, the more Mbappe’s shortcomings are exposed. The upcoming El Clásico might finally provide the chance for both players to prove their worth under the brightest lights. Until then, comparisons will continue, and the spotlight will only grow hotter.