While Spain have topped their group and qualified for the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, there has not been any statement performance from them that announces them as a real threat.
The win over Saudi Arabia may be taken as a sign by many, but what largely remains the truth is that their attack has simply not clicked.
La Roja have been wasteful in front of goal and largely purposeless with their possession, despite having multiple Barcelona stars in their ranks. There is a need for one player to step up as an on-field leader, and many see Lamine Yamal to be that candidate.
Argentine legend questions Yamal
Former Valencia and Argentina star Mario Kempes was asked about Spain’s World Cup chances and Lamine Yamal’s contribution and importance in the same when he faced the media earlier this week.
The legend admitted that Yamal was a special player but insisted that the World Cup is very different from club football and that it remained to be seen if he could keep the same quality up in the ongoing event.
“He needs to prove that [he is a superstar]. In Barcelona, we’ve all seen it already, but let’s see it in the World Cup. That’s where the value of the big players shows,” Kempes said (h/t FCBWorld).
Lamine has had a relatively quiet start to the World Cup. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Elaborating on how the World Cup is different, he said: “The World Cup isn’t like playing with the team, as many who played in Barcelona did. We know Barcelona players on the international level through the Champions League, but this is the World Cup.”
Kempes then went on to back the player to come good, but heaped praise on Pedri as a more important cog in Spain’s dynamics as matters stand.
“I think Yamal can be that big reference for Spain, but there’s more. Pedri is the one who dictates the game’s pace, he’s a midfield reference, and the player who holds the ball for Spain.”
Finally, he was asked about a potential Spain vs Argentina clash – one that could have happened in the Round of 32 had Spain lost to Uruguay last night.
“It could have happened now, and it might happen later, we’ll see. But at some point, it will definitely happen.”
How has Yamal performed so far?
Recently returned from injury. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Coming back from a long-term injury, there has been a clear lack of rhythm in Yamal’s performances so far in the competition, but he has still stepped up as. One of the team’s leading attacking outlets.
He came on only for a short cameo in Spain’s opener and started the game against Saudi Arabia where he scored the team’s first goal.
Against Uruguay last night, however, the player was relatively silent and not at his best, and it is clear that he is still not back to 100% comfort from the injury.
Spain’s chances, needless to say, rest on Yamal now more than ever especially given Nico Williams’ injury scare. It remains to be seen when and how the Barcelona sensation steps up.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
