Julian Nagelsmann feels teenage Spain star's lack of experience could help Germany players counter him in Euro 2024 Q/F clash
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann feels Spain forward Lamine Yamal's lack of experience could help his players in their upcoming EURO 2024 clash. Hosts Germany are set to face Spain in the quarterfinals of the tournament, with both teams playing expansive football so far.
Lamine Yamal is one of the most exciting players in the tournament, providing two assists in four games. The 16-year-old prodigy already has 11 caps for the national team.
However, his lack of experience could be his undoing in their EURO 2024 clash, which Nagelsmann is hoping for. The German tactician praised the Barcelona winger first, stating (via GOAL):
"He’s a big talent. He was really consistent in this season but his job is to deliver that for a few years. I think there are not many players who are that stable at this age but of course, I guess he has a very good surrounding, he needs a lot of people around him who have his back."
He went on to note how Yamal's qualities could be countered:
"He has big qualities, he’s very good in the one v ones, but he’s only 16 years old so there are also big chances for our players in that regard to counter him.
"I think you can’t always defend him because he’s so variable, he goes on the inside and the outside. His left foot is stronger than his right foot but he can still use his right foot so we need to be prepared for several things."
Nagelsmann continued:
"But on the other hand, he does not have so much experience at this level when things don’t go his way or when the opponent tackles him a little bit stronger. This is not a plan that we want to hurt him or tackle him all the time but of course he’s an interesting player, he’s doing a very good job and for the neutral fan he’s definitely a joy to watch."
The 16-year-old talent will be looking to drive the attack against Germany and potentially come out of the EURO 2024 clash with a win for Spain.
Spain vs Germany: EURO 2024 quarter-finals
Spain and Germany will lock horns at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart on Friday, July 5, as both sides battle for a spot in the semi-finals. The winner of this game will face either Portugal or France in the next round.
Spain have won four consecutive matches in EURO 2024, and they will be looking to add a fifth game to that list. Players like Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, and Rodri have all been key and they will look to bring the energy against their next opponents.
Germany, hosts of EURO 2024, are not to be trifled with either. They have scored ten goals in just four games, conceding merely two. They have won three matches and drawn one, with players like Jamal Musiala, Niclas Fullkrug, and Toni Kroos looking to drive them onward.