Switzerland coach in awe of Barcelona prodigy – ‘Glad I’m not the one who faces him’ | OneFootball

Following a drab draw against Serbia earlier in the week, Spain will take on Switzerland in their second UEFA Nations League game of the ongoing international break. And all eyes will once again be on Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

The 17-year-old has made a spectacular start to the season, building on his successful UEFA Euro 2024 campaign with La Roja.

While he was unable to inspire the national team to a win over Serbia in Belgrade, Yamal will once again be Spain’s biggest threat when they take on Switzerland – something that is not lost on their coach, Murat Yakin.

Yamal earns praise from Yakin

Indeed, speaking at a press conference earlier today, Murat Yakin lavished praise on Lamine Yamal, hailing the Barcelona and Spain prodigy as ‘fantastic’.

“It’s a fantastic thing what he does on the field. I’m glad I am not the one who faces him. It’s incredible what he does with the ball,” said the Switzerland manager, as quoted by MARCA.

Spain’s deadly weapon. (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images)

On his strategy to stop the Kopa Trophy nominee tomorrow night at Stade de Genève, Yakin added:

“Spain always has great players. We have to try to make sure that Lamine Yamal gets few balls and that the Spanish team doesn’t have it too long.”

A hot streak that came to an end

Before the game against Serbia earlier this week, Lamine Yamal was enjoying an incredible hot streak.

Indeed, the 17-year-old Barcelona sensation had been directly involved in eight consecutive official matches, with two goals and seven assists – but that run came to an end against Serbia.

Even though he picked up some discomfort last week while playing against Real Valladolid and then having started against Serbia, the La Masia is expected to feature from kickoff once again for Spain tomorrow and will be eager to get back among the goals.