Spain wait for Lamine Yamal to light up their World Cup charge

The European champions were hotly tipped for this year's tournament, and while that was meant to hinge on Lamine Yamal's performances, they have been flourishing without him hitting his ridiculous heights.

Barcelona's talisman entered the competition with a left hamstring injury, meaning he was utilised as a late substitute in his country's opener against Cabo Verde, and that has almost certainly held him back to some extent.

With Luis de la Fuente's side set to meet Belgium in the semi-finals, everyone is waiting for the teenager to explode, but will that happen in North America?

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Lamine Yamal yet to set World Cup alight

After earning the Young Player of the Tournament award at Euro 2024 and some outrageous seasons with Barcelona, many were predicting this to be the Yamal World Cup.

However, in late April the winger picked up a left hamstring injury in a La Liga clash against Celta Vigo, which not only ended his season but also sparked concern over his availability for Spain.

The 18-year-old was benched against Cabo Verde, which seemed like the ideal opportunity for him to rest, but he was called upon after the island nation held firm to secure a goalless draw.

In La Roja's following game, Yamal reminded everyone of his ability, scoring his first World Cup goal within 10 minutes against Saudi Arabia with a tap-in at the far post from a pinpoint Alex Baena cross.

The Barca man was subbed off at half-time with the game won, and while that should have been the moment to trigger his impact, he has been unable to make the statement he would have craved.

Yamal has started in Spain's last three outings, and although they have notched five goals, the teenager has not been involved in any of them.

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Could Yamal find form at right time for Spain?

Given that Spain are unbeaten in the World Cup and are yet to concede a goal, it would be fair to argue that La Roja have not needed the teenage sensation to be at his finest.

It has been a mixed bag for De la Fuente's side in terms of performances, with his men at their vibrant attacking best against Austria before a stale 1-0 victory over Portugal.

That is what is so frightening about this Spain outfit. They have hardly gotten out of gear in some matches yet have enjoyed such a clean record up to the quarter-finals.

What is even more terrifying is that Yamal is yet to take flight, and with European champions expected to advance past Belgium, this would be the ideal time for him to start firing.

Indeed, the underlying numbers are there for the 18-year-old, as no right-winger has completed more successful dribbles or won possession more in the final third than him in the tournament, while he has also had 34 touches in the opposition box.

This suggests that it is just a matter of time before Yamal elevates his game on the grandest stage, and if he does, then it could be the key ingredient that leads Spain to just a second World Cup trophy.

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