"I was scared sh*tless and he was asleep" - Nico Williams on how Barcelona star Lamine Yamal left him stunned before Euro 2024 semi-final
Nico Williams has shared a story about Barcelona star Lamine Yamal's pre-match conduct that astonished him at the 2024 European Championships.
Lamine Yamal took the world by storm last season, having earned his first team promotion ahead of the campaign. At just 16, the winger displayed exceptional quality and seemed quite comfortable playing at the highest level.
The La Masia academy graduate made 50 appearances across all competitions, contributing seven goals and nine assists. He continued to shine at the Euro 2024 as well for Spain, playing an instrumental role in their triumph in Germany.
Yamal formed an excellent attacking partnership with Nico Williams, who was in stellar form himself. The Atletic Bilbao star has now detailed how relaxed Yamal was before Spain's semi-final against France, revealing that he was sound asleep just before the game.
In a documentary about La Roja's Euro 2024 victory, Williams said (via GOAL):
"We were going to play a semi-final of a European Championship. I was scared sh*tless and he was... asleep! But this kid, how can he fall asleep before such an important match?"
While Lamine Yamal's conduct left Williams stunned, the Barcelona wonderkid certainly showcased calmness and composure on the pitch as well. He scored an excellent goal in the first half to equalize after Randal Kolo Mouani's opener before Dani Olmo found the match-winner.
Williams was a decisive player for La Roja at the tournament as well, scoring in the Round of 16 and the final win over England.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick provides update on Lamine Yamal's fitness ahead of Las Palmas clash
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has offered a positive update on Lamine Yamal's injury ahead of his side's LaLiga clash against Las Palmas this Saturday (November 30).
Yamal hasn't shown any signs of slowing down this season, with the 17-year-old already up by six goals and eight assists. However, he suffered a minor setback after sustaining an ankle injury against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League earlier this month.
Hansi Flick has now confirmed that Yamal has returned from his three-week spell on the sidelines and will feature against Las Palmas this weekend. Whether he will start, however, remains to be seen. Flick said (via Fabrizio Romano on X):
"Lamine Yamal is back and he's ready to play. We haven't decided yet if he'll start, but he will play. That’s the plan."
Barcelona currently leads the LaLiga standings by four points and are ahead of second-placed Real Madrid although Los Blancos have a game in hand.