Lamine Yamal could start against Saudi Arabia as Spain seek spark after 0-0 opener | OneFootball

After Spain laboured to 0-0 against Cape Verde in their World Cup opener, Lamine Yamal could be handed a start against Saudi Arabia on Sunday at 18:00. The winger is easing back from a left thigh injury suffered on 22 April.

According to L'Équipe, a start had not been expected before the third match with Uruguay, but the stalemate has accelerated those plans. He came on for the final 20 minutes in Atlanta and added dribbling and daring, though he could not force a breakthrough.

Midfielder Mikel Merino noted that Yamal’s different profile unsettles opponents and creates time and space for team-mates. He believes the teenager can influence any match at any moment.

The Rocafonda native turns 19 on 13 July and remains a crowd-mover, as seen in Atlanta when the stadium erupted on his arrival. Despite a stop-start year and off-field frictions between federation and club, Barcelona were champions and he averaged a goal or assist every 88 minutes, totalling 24 goals and 18 assists.

Coach Luis de la Fuente would not reveal whether he will start, stressing instead the value of having him back and his hunger to compete. He suggested his minutes will depend on the game, mentioning around 55, 58 or 63.

Source: L'Équipe