Lamine Yamal marked the first anniversary of his journey with the Spanish national team in an impressive fashion.
The young Barcelona talent played a crucial role in Spain’s 4-1 triumph over Switzerland during the second matchday of Group A in the Nations League.
Yamal not only provided an assist but also demonstrated the exceptional skills that have made him an essential player for Luis de la Fuente’s team.
His performance in recent times has been nothing short of remarkable. Yamal now boasts 16 direct goal contributions in his last 19 appearances for both club and country.
Specifically for Spain, he has contributed 11 goals or assists, proving his growing importance on the international stage.
Criticism from journalist
However, a major talking point from the match arose at half-time when Yamal was surprisingly substituted and replaced by Ferran Torres.
This decision sparked criticism, especially from journalist Julio Pulido, who openly questioned the move and suggested that Barcelona may have influenced the substitution.
“I don’t understand why Lamine, who was the best player in the first half, was taken off,” Pulido remarked.
“The only reason I can think of is the pressure that clubs put on their players not to play too much. I can’t find any other explanation. Can someone explain to me why he was substituted?”
It is worth noting that Yamal had felt some discomfort after the match against Real Valladolid. As a precaution, medical examinations were arranged between Barcelona and the Spanish national team before the Switzerland game.
Fortunately, the results were positive, and there was no sign of a serious injury. Yamal remains in good condition and continues to be a key player for both his club and country.
This substitution debate, combined with Yamal’s growing impact, highlights how crucial the young star is to the future of Spanish football, and his development will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
