Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says Lamine Yamal is on the path to becoming a legend after being left stunned by the teenager’s latest goal in Saturday’s 3-1 UEFA Nations League win over Czechia.
Yamal, 19, opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a trademark goal, coming inside on his left foot and whipping the ball into the top corner as Spain moved three points clear of England at the top of Group A3.
On the sidelines, De la Fuente put both hands on his head after witnessing the strike, turning to his bench in disbelief.
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“Lamine never stops surprising us — all of us,” De la Fuente said in a news conference after the victory when asked about his reaction to the goal.
“He has so much talent and so much quality. He still has a lot to offer us, too, and there is a long way to go to until we see the best Lamine, even if he is making giant strikes all the time.”
Yamal has been in dazzling form for Spain in the international break, scoring four goals in three games as the World Cup winners have opened their Nations League campaign with three victories.
It is the first time the teenager has scored in three straight games for Spain. His 19 goal contributions, as well as his 12 goals, for club and country since Aug. 31 are most in that span by any player from a club in Europe’s top five leagues.
The Barcelona winger’s goal against Czechia continued a run of scoring early, too, after netting in the second minute against both England and Croatia over the past week.
His recent form has only enhanced his claim to be named the best player in the world when the Ballon d’Or is given out later this month.
“If he was the only Spanish player nominated for the Ballon d’Or, I would say yes, he’s best in the world,” De la Fuente added.
“He does everything well. If he’s not the best, then it’s because of competition from the other Spanish players, and even then he’s one of the best for sure.
“Lamine is on the path to becoming a legend.”
Yamal, the only Spain player to start all three games this week, was removed at the break with his side 2-0 up thanks to his goal and another from Barça teammate Rodri.
Spain struggled to maintain their rhythm in the second half without Yamal, though, and Jiri Sláma’s goal for Czechia set up a nervy finish.
Ryan Naderi had a goal ruled out for offside after a David Raya error before Mikel Merino, with another late goal for his country, sealed the win after Ladislav Krejcà had been sent off for the visitors.
“The first half went very well, but the second didn’t,” De la Fuente conceded. “The substitutions didn’t really help either. Everyone’s attitude was good, but when you keep bringing on players — new faces — it doesn’t help maintain continuity in the game.
“Then again, four matches in 10 days is tough. Today it was about winning and putting in a good performance, but also about protecting the players.”
Spain travel to Croatia on Tuesday for their final game in the current break, with their final Group A3 fixtures against England and Czechia set for November.
