Barcelona and Spain talent Lamine Yamal was made to work hard during his national team's victory over the Netherlands which took them into the UEFA Nations League semi-finals
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Lamine Yamal during Spain vs Netherlands
Lamine Yamal during Spain vs Netherlands(Image: Getty Images)
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal was warned by former Real Madrid ace Rafael van der Vaart after buying too much into his own hype. However, after watching the Spaniard respond to his comments, Van der Vaart has made the curious move of now telling the youngster to pay him no heed.
Yamal was part of the Spain squad drawn against the Netherlands - for whom Van der Vaart won more than 100 caps - in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. The first leg ended 2-2 in Rotterdam, with Spain going on to win the two-legged tie on penalties after a 3-3 draw in Valencia.
Van der Vaart questioned Yamal's body-language during that first leg, suggesting he didn't react too kindly to being pitted against Jorell Hato. "These are things I notice: I see things that are starting to bother me a little," he said.
"Pants a little lower, not making much of an effort, slightly superficial gestures. That's when I think: if you're that young, you should be happy with every minute you play for Spain."
Yamal, who scored in extra-time at the Mestalla but missed his penalty in the shootout, offered a pointed response to Van der Vaart. "Pants down, a goal, missed penalty AND IN THE SEMIFINALS HEHEHEHE GO SPAIN!" he wrote on Instagram, prompting the Dutchman to issue a further remark.
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“I would advise him not to worry about a former player who is a bit too fat. It is completely unimportant. I mean well," Van der Vaart told Ziggo Sport (via Goal).
"When you're 17 and you get so much praise, you start to believe that the whole world revolves around you. We've all been there, but the world doesn't revolve around you. Football is fun, but not important. If you think you're God, you become a less fun person.”
Lamine Yamal battling with Jorell Hato in the UEFA Nations League
Yamal was put to the test by Jorell Hato in the UEFA Nations League
Yamal came in for praise from Spain boss Luis de la Fuente going into the two-legged Nations League clash. "Lamine Yamal is in the position to become an amazing player, and he has the potential to be a different player, based on his quality, his self-confidence and his courage," the manager said.
"I am lucky to be able to have him with us. We will help him become the football player that he has the potential to be. We will do our best to ensure that things are not difficult for him.
"I am sure that we will be able to appreciate an amazing player. If he remains injury-free, I am sure that we will witness a historic player."
Spain's victory over the Netherlands has set up a Nations League semi-final against France, who needed penalties themselves to see off the challenge of Croatia. The winners of Spain vs France will take on one of Germany and Portugal, with the semis and final due to take place in Germany in June.
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