Madrid, Aug. 6 -- FC Barcelona advances towards the new season with everything looking good on the playing side, but with off-field issues once again threatening to capture the headlines as the club's massive debt continues to be a major problem.

Barcelona's pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea made it clear that the club is still playing the effective high-press that rivals found so hard to deal with last season, while Lamine Yamal is a special talent to lead the club, and forms part of a fearsome attacking unit that also includes Pedri, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez.

Barca coach Hansi Flick had more good news with Gavi's performances in the tour, showing that the tigerish midfielder looks to be back to his aggressi...