Wayne Rooney could barely contain his excitement while watching Lamine Yamal play at the World Cup, emphasizing the 'incredible' qualities the teenager brings to the Spain side. At just 18 years old, Yamal is already one of football's biggest stars, aiming to add a World Cup title to his achievements after winning the European Championship at age 16.
Yamal's Rise to Stardom
The wildly talented winger has won three La Liga titles with Barcelona and scored 24 goals for the Catalan giants last season. His participation in the World Cup was uncertain after a hamstring injury late in the season, but he recovered just in time to join the squad.
Yamal was not risked from the start in Spain's opener against Cape Verde, which ended in a goalless draw. However, he was unleashed against Saudi Arabia on Sunday, scoring after just 10 minutes in a comfortable 4-0 victory. He was substituted at half-time as his return to full fitness is being carefully managed.
Rooney's Praise on BBC Punditry
Rooney, on punditry duty for the BBC, was buzzing about Yamal's performance, not only for his attacking brilliance but also for his defensive work rate. 'Do you know what I absolutely love him, he just makes me smile. The enjoyment and fun he plays with,' the Manchester United legend said. 'What he does for that Spain team, there's a lot of young players in that Spain team and he gives them that confidence.'
Rooney added: 'They won the Euros with him as a 16-year-old, now he's matured as a player, which seems crazy to say about an 18-year-old, but he gives every other player on that pitch for Spain a confidence and belief that they can go on and win this World Cup. When you've got that about you, to make other players feel better on the football pitch, it's incredible to have that as an 18-year-old.'
Defensive Contribution and Team Impact
The former England forward also highlighted Yamal's defensive efforts: 'Him running back and helping his team out. When you get a big player that's willing to run back and willing to help out. The impact that has on the rest of the team, they're looking at that and thinking, "we've got a superstar running back and helping out defensively." That means everyone else has to do it, whether they like it or not.'
Rooney concluded: 'I'm just so excited to watch him in the rest of this World Cup, I'm sure that comes across, he's such an enjoyable player to watch.'
Yamal's First World Cup Goal
On scoring his first World Cup goal, the young sensation said: 'It's very special, I've always dreamed of being in a World Cup, and to be able to score in my first match is a dream come true. I watched the other World Cups in school.'
Spain's victory over Saudi Arabia lifted them to the top of Group H, recovering from their disappointing goalless draw with Cape Verde. Uruguay and Cape Verde have a chance to level on points when they meet later on Sunday. Spain and Uruguay face each other on Saturday June 27 in what could be a decisive match for top spot in the group.
