Ahead of the highly anticipated Euro 2024 quarter-final clash between Germany and Spain, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has acknowledged the talent and skill of Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Nagelsmann described Yamal as a “big talent” who is “extremely advanced for his age.”
Despite his admiration for the 16-year-old’s abilities, Nagelsmann also questioned whether Yamal has the mental toughness and experience to handle the pressures of a high-stakes match like the upcoming quarter-final. As Nagelsmann pointed out, “He was really consistent in this season, but his job is to deliver that for a few years.”
The 16-year-old winger has provided two assists for Spain so far, just the third teenager on record (since 1980) to provide multiple assists in the competition after Enzo Scifo (1984) and Cristiano Ronaldo (2004).
Yamal again looks likely to be a key player in the last-eight tie against the tournament hosts in Stuttgart on Friday.
But Nagelsmann said: “Let’s see how he reacts when things get tough.
“You can’t defend him completely. You have to be prepared for different things. My focus is less on [Lamine] Yamal, more on Jamal [Musiala]. We can do something in attack ourselves.”
Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan said his Barcelona team-mate Yamal enjoyed an “unparalleled” season in La Liga last season, but hopes a passionate home support can disrupt Spain’s approach after their impressive start.
The midfielder added: “We want to ignite this atmosphere with the style and manner in which we play. That can push us – and perhaps make the Spaniards a bit less secure.”
