"Exceeding all expectations" - Stan Collymore praises Spain duo for their performances at Euro 2024
Reputed pundit Stan Collymore has heaped praise on Spain duo Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal. The former Premier League striker stated that the two youngsters have been a key force behind La Roja's impressive outings at Euro 2024.
He said (via CaughtOffside):
“If I’m looking at other nations that you’re expecting to be there or thereabouts, you can’t really look much beyond Spain. Obviously the young lads, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are exceeding all expectations."
Collymore also praised Rodri, saying:
“The squad have stuck with the remit of the 2010/2012 Spanish team but with a bit more flair. A big shout out for Rodri too.”
Williams has been in splendid form for Luis de la Fuente's side on the left flank, bagging one goal and one assist in three games. The Athletic Bilbao attacker has been linked with a move to the likes of Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea after scoring eight goals and setting up 19 more in 37 appearances across competitions last season.
Yamal, meanwhile, has shot to fame as one of Barcelona's most talented La Masia products in recent memory. Aged just 16, he has seized a starting role on the right flank for both club and country.
On the back of the pair, Spain have enjoyed a comfortable run to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, where they will face Germany on Friday, July 5. The Spaniards were the only side to win all three of their group-stage fixtures and combined it with an impressive 4-1 win over Georgia in the Round of 16.
Manchester City names the Spain teammate who has impressed him the most
Manchester City star Rodri stated that the performances of Spain teammate Marc Cucurella have impressed him the most. Ahead of Spain's Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Germany, the midfielder said (via Spanish outlet El Partidazo de Cope):
"I know them all but… the level that Cucurella is showing. I already knew him but the level he is showing in a context like this in a Euro Cup… he is helping us a lot, especially defensively, the character he has."
"I am loving it and I hope he continues at this level," he added.
Cucurella has put in solid shifts at left-back for Spain, who have shown themselves to be free-flowing and attacking. He has been a key presence at the back as La Roja have conceded just once in four games.
The 25-year-old has turned over his fortunes, struggling initially after completing a switch from Brighton and Hove Albion to Chelsea in the summer of 2022. He grew in confidence late in the 2023-24 campaign for the Blues and has carried his good form to Euro 2024.