Marc Cucurella says Lamine Yamal has “changed a lot” since Euro 2024 and thinks the Barcelona star is far more mature even though he’s still only 18.
Yamal is expected to make a big impact at World Cup 2026 and made his long-awaited return from injury as a late substitute in the 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.
Spain and Yamal will be aiming to improve on that result next time out against Saudi Arabia, and Cucurella says he loves playing alongside the Barcelona star.
“I’ve noticed he’s changed a lot since
the Euros; I think he’s much more settled. He’s been in professional football for many years now, he knows what he has to do. I’m very happy to have him on our team, and I hope he’s recovered well from his injury and can help us a lot,” he told El Mundo.
“It’s incredible. I went on vacation to Dubai and I also saw a Lamine billboard. But he handles it very well, very naturally, he’s still the same guy. More mature, but the same guy he was when he wasn’t such a star or so famous. That’s the best thing about him, how naturally he handles these things. And at that age, 18. I don’t think everyone is capable of managing that.”
Yamal may have to settle for a place on the bench again on Sunday against Saudi Arabia, although he is expected to have a bigger role than he did against Cape Verde.
