Lamine Yamal is a ‘generational talent’, according to Ollie Watkins (Picture: Getty)
Ollie Watkins has labelled Lamine Yamal a ‘generational talent’ ahead of England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain, claiming the teenage sensation has ‘the world at his feet’.
Yamal’s meteoric rise has been one of the stories of this summer’s tournament, with the 16-year-old breaking record after record across an incredible campaign with Spain.
In his six appearances in Germany, Yamal has racked up three assists and scored a breathtaking equaliser in Spain’s semi-final win over France to help his nation advance to Sunday’s showpiece in Berlin.
The incredible strike saw Yamal become the youngest ever scorer at a Euros or a World Cup, eclipsing the previous record set by a 17-year-old Pele back in 1958.
The Barcelona winger is in line to enter the history books once again this weekend by becoming the youngest player to feature in the final of either tournament.
Facing the media this afternoon, Watkins – England’s semi-final hero against the Netherlands – waxed lyrical about Spain’s extraordinary wonderkid, who turns 17 the day before the final.
Asked what he was doing on his 17th birthday, Watkins replied: ‘I definitely wasn’t preparing for a final, I can tell you that!
Watkins faced the media after scoring England’s dramatic winner against the Netherlands (Picture: Getty)
‘He’s an unbelievable talent, everyone has seen what he can do. A generational talent.
‘It’s not often that you are scoring goals against France in the top corner in the semi-final of the Euros when you’re 16.
‘Obviously he’s got the world at his feet and he’s miles ahead of me when I was 16 or 17.’
The 16-year-old Spain winger has broken record after record in Germany (Picture: Getty)
Watkins hopes Yamal has a strong support network around him to help keep him grounded amid the hype and adulation.
‘With social media and all the hype that comes with being at Barcelona, playing for Spain, there’s a lot of hype around him,’ the Aston Villa striker added.
‘For me, you have to have a good, close-knit group of people around you to keep you grounded and keep you focused.
‘I feel like that’s what I have as well. I have good people around me to keep me on the straight and narrow and be there as a sounding board.’
England have a teenage wonderkid of their own in the shape of Kobbie Mainoo, who is expected to continue his run in Gareth Southgate’s midfield this weekend.
‘Kobbie is obviously a young player but he doesn’t act his age when he’s on the pitch,’ Watkins said of the 19-year-old Manchester United midfielder.
‘He takes the ball, he’s very comfortable on the ball, he’s confident, he demands the ball. To be such a young player and playing at such a high level, you would never think he’s the age he is.
‘He plays with a certain aura and confidence about him and he’s got a very bright future ahead of him.’
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