Soccer
Ian Wright picks Lamine Yamal as Euro 2024's best player, likens him to retired England star
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Ian Wright compared Lamine Yamal to a young Wayne Rooney after Spain's teenage star helped his nation win Euro 2024.
Yamal turned 17 the day before Sunday's final, in which Spain defeated England 2-1 to claim their fourth European Championship. The youngster was omnipresent for Spain throughout the tournament, scoring a stunning goal against France in the semi-final and recording four assists during the competition, leading him to be named the young player of the tournament.
Speaking on Stick to Football: The Overlap Special, brought to you by Sky Bet, Wright said Yamal was actually the best player of any age at Euro 2024.
“Lamine Yamal is my player of the tournament – it can’t be anyone else," Wright said. "A 16-year-old who has been so consistent throughout the whole tournament and scored one of the goals of the tournament. He’s been unbelievable.”
Wright likened Yamal to Wayne Rooney from 20 years ago, when the now retired England forward was just 18 and starring at Euro 2004.
“What [we] saw from Lamine Yamal in Euro 2024 reminds of how Wayne Rooney played at the Euros in 2004 in Portugal," Wright said. "Rooney was going on to be the player of the tournament until he did his ankle. He was unbelievable.”
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