Lamine Yamal has been a revelation for both Barcelona and Spain since breaking on to the scene two years ago. At 18, he is already one of the world’s best players, although that comes with a fair amount of pressure – and scrutiny.

Questions have been asked about Lamine Yamal’s off-field actions over the summer, and after Dani Carvajal came to his defence, his national team head coach has too. As per MD, Luis de la Fuente spoke on the teenage sensation.

“He has earned everything. We have to value a boy who at 16 years old was already playing in the senior team. He endures enormous media pressure, he has to work a lot to be able to be at the level of demand. He has to be an example both inside and outside, he is maturing and we have to help him because he is very young.

“He has great maturity for being 18 years old, but he has to continue growing and maturing. It’s a natural process and we’re here to help. As a footballer he is great, with natural conditions and an unusual talent. He knows perfectly well that if sacrifice and effort are not combined with that talent, he will not be able to grow. And he does that, he works hard to be better every day. He is very intelligent and captures ideas very quickly – like a genius.”

Lamine Yamal poised for big role in Spain’s World Cup run

Lamine Yamal is gearing up for the first World Cup qualifying campaign of his career, as Spain look to confirm themselves as one of the favourites for next summer’s tournament in North America. And if they are to take home a second world crown, they will need the Barcelona superstar to be at his best, as he was during the Euro 2024 success.