Rio Ferdinand has praised Barcelona and Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal’s composure and decision-making following Tuesday’s Euro 2024 semi-final.
La Roja booked their place in Sunday’s last with a 2-1 comeback win over France in Munich, with Yamal netting a beautiful equaliser to turn out to be the youngest goalscorer in European Championships historical past.
Not turning 17 till Saturday — a day earlier than the ultimate in Berlin — Yamal has turned in a number of eye-catching performances at these Euros and is now the heavy favorite to be named Younger Participant of the Match.
That, after all, is contemporary from taking part in 50 video games for Barcelona and profitable the La Liga U23 Participant of the Season award in 2023/24.
However greater than his moments of magic or the gorgeous purpose to assist beat France, former England and Manchester United centre-back Ferdinand has been most impressed with Yamal’s ‘simplicity’ and decision-making.
“Yamal performs like somebody who has been taking part in for a very long time. He makes the correct selections in the correct moments,” Ferdinand stated following Tuesday’s semi-final, talking as a pundit on BBC One.
“The simplicity with which he performs, it’s so uncommon. Usually you are available and also you’re attempting to show your self and also you attempt too arduous.
“He all the time makes the correct choice.”
Alan Shearer urges Yamal warning
Whereas the excitement round Yamal is comprehensible given how uncommon it’s to see a 16-year-old compete so comfortably on the highest stage, it’s additionally vital he’s given area.
In accordance with ex-Newcastle United and England striker Shearer, Yamal will must be ready to come back underneath the highlight, given the excessive requirements he’s already set.
Shearer stated: “The calls for and pressures that shall be placed on him are going to be enormous as a result of he has an unimaginable capability.”
