Lamine Yamal just did his best impression of Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible.
After curling in a solo wonder goal against Real Betis in front of a disbelieving audience, the young Barcelona superstar went to the corner flag to bask in the glory of that magical moment.
What we are seeing from Barcelona this season is not normal, and it should be appreciated as such. That’s saying a lot when you consider the storied history of this legendary club.
I have all the confidence in the world to praise the heck
out of Hansi Flick and his imperial band of entertainers knowing that what we are seeing isn’t a fluke. This is the product of years of intentional training, and if we’re seeing the seeds bear beautiful fruit, it’s because the Barcelona players fully bought into the process along the way.
The script has been written, and the ink is dry.
You want to have the best performers play the part, but even when one is missing, another can learn the lines and keep the rhythm flowing.
Lamine Yamal is the star, and he’s reaching such a deep flow state that, scary enough, we may not have come even close to seeing his full potential yet.
Witnessing the way that a guy like Gabriel Jesus is fitting in, however, is a credit to what Flick has instilled. The instructions are clear, and the players themselves are directing the show in live action. Jesus is talented enough to know what’s expected from there.
This isn’t rocket science, it’s football as an art form. Seeing it day in and day out, come rain or shine, at home or on the road, is a feast for the senses for fans and neutrals alike.
It’s not a recreation of what’s been done in the past. It’s an act of revolution. Opponents, even good ones like Betis, don’t know how to respond to what Barcelona is creating on the pitch.
Eleven wins in eleven games, and all of them dominant performances.
Next up is a visit to Paris, and then Real Madrid come to town.
This is the ultimate test. Right now, Barcelona are the best team in the world, and few would disagree. Will that still be the case a week from now?
To some extent we have to be realistic. This is still a journey for Barcelona. As good as they are, even the best will trip up eventually.
So far, however, they are as close to perfect as anyone can be.
At this point, the world is simply curious. How good is Barcelona, really?
Can they take down the two time defending European champions? Can they humble their biggest rivals and take a commanding lead at the top of the Spanish table?
Barcelona are a top team through and through. It’s also become clear that they are at their best when Lamine Yamal is at his best.
The trip to Paris isn’t just an opportunity for Barcelona to make a statement, it’s a chance for Lamine to seize the day and prove he’s the best player in the world under the bright lights of the Champions League.
Now is the time to get the popcorn ready.
In the week ahead, we will be treated to very best that football has to offer.
Seasons like these don’t come around often, so don’t take it for granted. Simply enjoy the work of art while it lasts.
