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Lamin Yamal only turned 19 on Monday, but he’s already the best young man on the planet.
The 2023-24 season with Barcelona ended with his inclusion in Spain’s Euro 2024 squad, and in 2018, like Mbappe, he shone in his first major tournament and inspired his team to glory.
He was runner-up at the Ballon d’Or last year at the age of 18, but an ankle injury in April interrupted his preparations for the World Cup.
With just one goal in five starts, he hasn’t flashed like Mbappe, Messi or Jude Bellingham.
“I ask him to calm down,” manager Luis de la Fuente said. “Last year he came of age. He is 19. Now think about it. I just told him to calm down, have fun and forget about any worries. He has to enjoy his football. Lamin’s big day is yet to come in this World Cup.”
The lack of fitness of Lamin Yamal and Nico Williams has forced manager Luis de la Fuente to adjust Spain’s style – the European champions have created chaos on the wings, while the current team prioritizes control.
“Lamin Yamal is working in a small space, with many defenders doubling up on him and that means he has less movement in the Spanish game,” said Spanish football journalist Ruairid Barlow.
“So to some extent it makes sense that he’s not panicking. What Dela Fuente and Spain want from him – to control the game and bank on a solid defense – is two or three times in a game where he opens up or unlocks the defence. So far he has more or less delivered.”
De la Finte reinforced that idea in the quarter-final win over Lamin Yamal of Belgium before he had more wins than any of his team-mates.
“This time is for him,” said the manager. “It’s not time to score 10 goals, but it’s time to be important in important matches.”
The strength of this Spanish team is based in the team, but there is still a level of respect for the 19-year-old.
“Sometimes we forget his age and maybe ask too much of him, but he is very talented,” wrote Xavi, who made his Barcelona debut for Lamin Yamal. The athletics., External
“His ability to do more things on the field has increased and his impact has increased. His teammates want more. When problems arise at different points in the game, the ball goes to Lamin.”
He is a leader on the pitch who makes a difference at a young age – something we have only seen with Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pele and Ronaldo (Nazario).
“The next 15 to 20 years are Lamin’s, if he wants it.”
