Spanish coach de la fuente lyrical about Yamal: ‘He deserves the Golden Ball’

Yamal

Spanish national coach Luis de la Fuente was full of praise for Lamine Yamal after the won Nations League semi-final on Thursday. According to De la Fuente, the seventeen-year-old attacker undoubtedly deserves the Golden Ball.

With two goals and numerous wonderful actions, Yamal was the star player for the Spanish team on Thursday. In advance, the semi-final between Spain and France was seen as a clash between Golden Ball contenders Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé.

In contrast to Yamal, Dembélé did not score. The Spanish child prodigy made a bigger impression than his eleven-year-older French co-favorite, also according to De la Fuente.

“Lamine made a clear statement today and showed why he is the best player in the world,” said De la Fuente afterwards. “I am very happy for him. He deserves the Golden Ball.”

‘Dembélé is a fantastic player, but we are in the final’

Yamal himself was also asked about his possible selection at the Golden Ball gala. “I always say to my mother: what really motivates me is playing football. That’s what I get out of bed for every morning.”

“Dembélé? That is a fantastic player who has won the Champions League,” Yamal said about his French competitor. “But we are in the final.”

In the final, Spain will face Portugal. “Also a team with world-class players,” said Yamal. “But we will do everything we can to take that cup back to Spain.”

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