Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick showered praise on Lamine Yamal after the club registered a comprehensive 5-2 win against Rayo in the La Liga on Tuesday. Flick said Yamal is playing on a different level after the Spaniard scored a brace, finding the back of the net in the 21st and 90th minute.

Raphinha also scored two goals for the Catalan club whereas Florian Lejeune scored an own goal in the 51st minute. Barcelona have made a perfect start to the La Liga campaign, winning all of their three games so far.

“Most important is the three points. We have a good start this season, it’s what we want,” Flick said after the match. “In the first half we played really good, I liked a lot what I saw. In the second half, the opponent was strong, they pressed good, scored, it was we (who) struggled a little bit. The reaction after the first and second goal of Rayo was good.

“Of course we have to improve in some moments, control the game, because our style is also you recover a bit with the ball. It’s always easier to recover with the ball. At the end we have to improve these moments a little bit.

The German manager praised Yamal for his crucial contribution.

“He always wants to improve and he can. For me I am very happy with him,” Flick said of Yamal. “Today when he’s doing what he’s doing, how he’s playing football, it’s amazing to see. For me he’s on an incredible level.”

Flick also had words of praise for England winger, Anthony Gordon, who has provided three assists in as many games.

“Yes of course [Gordon] had a lot of speed, he was very clear with the ball,” Flick said. “Two passes for a goal. For us, it’s to have him, also with Karim, with Rapha, Lamine, we have speed in these positions. This is good, I am happy with them.”

Barcelona will face Valencia on Sunday.