FC Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal received praise from fellow whizzkid Jamal Musiala, ahead of their … [+] two countries Spain and Germany meeting in the European Championship quarterfinals on Friday.
FC Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal received praise from fellow whizzkid Jamal Musiala, ahead of their two countries Spain and Germany meeting in the European Championship quarterfinals on Friday.
The two youngsters have been breakout international stars at the ongoing continental tournament, with Lamine receiving rave reviews for following on from his club exploits in Blaugrana and terrorising the likes of now eliminated defending champions Italy in the group stage.
Lamine has an admirer in Bayern Munich star Musiala, who showered him with huge praise in relation to the way that the Mataro native is leaving his mark at such a young age.
“To be at this level at 16 years old is really a pleasure. At 16 years old I still didn’t have the physical conditions to train with professionals, play consistently and stay at that level,” admitted Musiala, who is in race for the tournament’s golden boot with the Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo on three goals.
Having said this, though, Musiala noted that while it’s “great to see Lamine”, hosts Germany don’t “have to worry only about him” when it comes to La Roja.
“Spain has many players who add value to the team and are dangerous: Nico Williams, Pedri…,” Musiala added, in reference to both a Barca transfer target and its current number 8 who dictates play from midfield.
“They are all footballers who can decide a game alone, but we Germans also have [quality] and that’s why we have to have confidence in ourselves.”
Furthermore, Musiala believes that he and his teammates have a bit more pressure on their shoulders because of the fact they are playing on home soil.
“Both teams have the quality to reach the final. In Germany we have to make an effort, playing the tournament here in our country is a great honour. This gives us extra strength. If we have the country behind us, many things are possible, we feel the support. You have to make people proud and give them joy. It’s a great responsibility, but at the same time a lot of fun,” the winger insisted.
Spain and Germany face off on Friday with a chance to meet either France or Portugal in the last four on the line.
