“You can’t call him a child anymore.” – David Raum on Spain’s Lamine Yamal | OneFootball

Against Denmark on Saturday evening, RB Leipzig full-back David Raum started his first game for Germany at Euro 2024 over Stuttgart’s Maximilian Mittelstädt.

With what was at first a confusing decision from Julian Nagelsmann, given how well Mittelstädt has adapted to life with the national team, it did not take long for people to realise the effect Raum can have on this German side.

Having performed admirably at both ends of the pitch, there is now a debate to be had regarding who should start at left back for Germany against Spain in the quarter-finals. However, in the DFB press conference on Monday afternoon, Raum highlighted that it is important for Nagelsmann to have competition within the squad:

“We make it very difficult for the coach. It’s perfect for a coach when you can rotate and the quality stays the same. I pushed Maxi; he’s pushing me now. We do that in training too. If the coach is faced with a difficult decision, then we’ve done everything right.”

If Raum is to feature against Spain, then the Leipzig defender will have to come up against the 16-year-old starlet Lamine Yamal, a task that Raum will not take lightly.

“When you see what he brings to the pitch, age doesn’t play a big role. He’s established himself at Barcelona and in the national team. You can’t call him a child anymore. But he’s also crackable and defendable; you have to find a way.”

Having won all four of their games so far at Euro 2024, Spain have established themselves as one of the favourites for the tournament. Nevertheless, Raum confirmed that the Germany squad have been keeping a close eye on their opponents as they look to book their spot in the semi-finals.

“We have a few TVs in the home ground. Jo and I watched it in the organisation room. It was a strange game, but Spain did well. They’re a good opponent.”

GGFN | Will Shopland