The Spanish national team is preparing their first knockout match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
. Austria are the opponents, and while La Roja are favorites, nothing is assured.Spain struggled to get going at times so far, particularly in a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde. Part of the issue has been their star man missing a huge proportion of minutes as he recovers from an injury.
Now, with Lamine Yamal fit and firing, expectations have shifted. It was with that backdrop that Marcos Llorente, who could start
at right-back for Spain, talked to the media before the match.
“I’m getting to know Lamine little by little. He doesn’t need much help. Sometimes, for instance, it’s actually worse to join him in the attack because you end up drawing another defender his way,” Llorente said.
Yamal plays as a right winger, which makes the right-back his natural partner in attack.
“He’s the one who makes the difference; there are moments when you need to overlap him and others when you shouldn’t.”
That’s been a learning curve for Llorente, who plays for Atlético Madrid. Atléti’s way is based on tough defending and counterattacking. Yamal plays for Barcelona, who depend on possession and methodical buildup. Spain are not a direct calque of Barça, but their style is much more similar to the Catalans’.
“Atlético’s style of play has nothing to do with the national team’s. They are two different philosophies and distinct ways of attacking,” Llorente, who plays as a midfielder sometimes, mused.
Regardless, it’s clear that he sees himself as part of the supporting cast for the 18-year-old star.
“I exchange views with Lamine and ask him what he needs. We even talk during the match. The more communication there is, the better things go. Luis de la Fuente shows us videos to help us build chemistry and holds us to high standards, just like everyone else.”
Even so, Llorente maintains it’s not just about the star player, adding: “I don’t think stars win without their team. They need their team behind them. They are important, but this isn’t a World Cup for stars alone.”
