Numbers prove why Lamine Yamal was the MVP against France | OneFootball

It is always important for FC Barcelona players to represent their national teams as well on the biggest stages. After all, that is a great way for any player to properly establish themselves and announce their arrival to the world. Fortunately, Barcelona have players who can manage just that.

There is simply no denying the impact and quality that 17-year-old Lamine Yamal brings to both his National team and his club as well. For Barcelona, he was sensational throughout the season, and he now continues that trend with Spain as well.

Lamine Yamal continues to shine on the big stages

After having helped his country win the European Championship last year, Yamal has been eyeing the UEFA Nations League this season. However, to get to the final, he first had to face off against a France side led by the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and now even Desire Doue.

Yet, in a game full of Ballon d’Or contenders and hopefuls, it was still the 17-year-old Barcelona sensation who came out on top and did so with an elite performance. According to the data provided by Sofascore, Yamal received a 9.7 rating and was their man of the match from the grand clash between Spain and France that ended 5-4 in favour of the Spaniards.

Lamine Yamal was too much for France to handle. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Elite numbers from the MVP

In terms of statistics and numbers, Yamal had 51 touches throughout the game. Moreover, he created one big chance and had three key passes as well throughout the game. He also completed 24 passes out of the 29 he attempted, while also succeeding in two out of the three dribbles he attempted as well.

Yamal also won a penalty for Spain that he then took himself and converted, after which he would go on to score a second goal as well from open play as he showcased great strength and awareness to finish off that chance. The Barcelona star also won ten out of the twelve duels that he contested.

Boosting his Ballon d’Or hopes

In fact, his brilliant performance even earned him the official Man of the Match award for this UEFA Nations League clash. While it is difficult to say what implications such a performance can have on his Ballon d’Or hopes, it is clear that it definitely does boost his chances.

With legends and icons backing up Lamine Yamal for his quality and displays this year, there is no telling what could end up happening in terms of the Ballon d’Or itself. For now, Spain will simply now be shifting their focus towards the final against Portugal to compete for the title itself. As for Yamal, this was interestingly yet another win for him against Kylian Mbappe, and the youngster has quickly become a problem for the Real Madrid superstar across both club and international football.