Spain’s new era begins with Lamine Yamal

The 16-year-old talent will debut at EURO 2024, in a new Spanish team under Luis de la Fuente. Lamine Yamal is expected to breathe new life into La Roja and can open a new period of success for this team.

The Barcelona winger may only be 16 years old, but after a breakthrough season in La Liga, he has the potential to shake up this summer’s tournament in Germany.

In a recent interview, Yamal described himself as “mischievous”. Perhaps that’s the perfect word to describe Yamal . A skillful winger, often compared to Lionel Messi, but with a similar style to Bukayo Saka. The teenager has established himself as one of Europe’s best talents over the past 12 months.

Everyone has seen that. Former Barcelona coach Xavi said Yamal could “define an era” at the Catalan team. David Villa considered him a top talent, while Dani Carvajal commented that Yamal was almost unstoppable.

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The person who defined a generation

For a Barca side that has struggled over the past 10 months, Yamal could be the key to reaffirming their position among Europe’s elite. Coach Hansi Flick took over a squad almost divided into two halves between aging veterans and super talented young players. Just a handful of his expected players next season are in what many describe as their prime.

But it is that growing youthful force that brings hope for the future. In midfield, Gavi and Pedri are both 21 or under, although they already have immense experience at the top level, while 21-year-old Fermin Lopez broke through to the first team last season and has been rewarded equaling a place in the Spain squad this summer.

As a centre-back, 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi proved this past season that he can be the player that Barca – and Spain – build at the heart of their defence.

However, Yamal is the best among them. Comparisons to Messi are both stylistically inaccurate and completely unfair, but this is a player in whom Barca can really put their trust. The talent is there, but Yamal has proven that he is mature enough, despite his age, to carry his “star power”.

He is a product of La Masia, a native of Barcelona, ​​who shows his love every time he scores, but who also has a big shoe deal with Adidas. Yamal doesn’t just play soccer – he also entertains while he plays.

Bringing a breakthrough to La Roja

It’s no surprise that Spain offered Yamal as soon as possible. This is a country that has shown little interest in protecting its young generation in recent years. And so the youngster was included in the La Roja squad in September 2023 as they look to secure a place at EURO 2024.

It didn’t take long for Yamal to make his mark on the international stage, as he scored on his debut against Georgia to become Spain’s youngest goalscorer. He also played impressively against Cyprus in a 6-0 victory a few days later.

Coach Luis de la Fuente did not hide his excitement about Yamal. He said: “Do you remember when Messi or Maradona were only 16 years old? We should not set limits for these good football players. We must let them develop their full potential. Those are what we are trying to do with this player here and at his club.”

Yamal then had a great performance against Brazil in a friendly match in March and will likely be the youngest player at EURO 2024.

Spain need some breakthrough up front; a profound difference from their patient passing game. Yamal has the ability to provide that and ensure that they are no longer seen as one-dimensional.

It is thought that he will join Nico Williams to form a supporting wing for striker Alvaro Morata. Having excellent strikers around will stretch the opponent’s defense and give Yamal more opportunities in the box.

Behind them, Spain also has a very good midfield. Rodri is undoubtedly the best holding midfielder available, while Pedri, if fit, can dominate the midfield. De La Fuente has spoken of his desire to “play football faster”, and all signs point to him achieving that desire in Germany.

Start a new era

But this is just the beginning. De La Fuente signed a contract that will keep him in position until after the 2026 World Cup. This is still the first major tournament this coach leads a national team.

But Spain’s success in winning the most recent Nations League title, as well as good performances in friendlies, suggests they are on the right track.

Young talents are considered at the center of it all. Coach De La Fuente is ready to get rid of some old players, while allowing the next generation of talented young players to show their abilities.

Of course, this comes with the risk of bringing young players into the squad too early. But in Yamal, at this EURO, they have a player who is too good to keep on the bench. Now, those outside of Spain will see why he is tipped to join a group of game-changing superstars.