Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterWhen Spain began their Euro 2024 tilt, few had them tagged as the eventual winners, as the likes of France, England and hosts Germany were ahead of them in the bookies odds.But after a strong group stage, in which Croatia, Italy and Albania were all swept aside without a goal being conceded, expectations were reset.One of the best aspects of tournament football is often the emergence of a new name on the world stage - and in Lamine Yamal, Spain had exactly that, with the teenagers sublime performances lighting up the competition and reinvigorating his team.Merino on Yamals emergence and role this summerFourFourTwo's World Cup Wallchart - The One and OnlyLarge A1 Football Wall Chart with Space for Scores and Predictions: Designed for easy viewing and interaction with room to write results and build predictionsView DealHe was unreal, Arsenal and Spain midfielder Mikel Merino tells FourFourTwo. Ive never seen something like that only 16 and starring for a national team like Spain.It was weird to witness for the rest of the squad too, because on one hand, you know that being 16 and playing at that level, and with that pressure, isnt normal. You may like Lamine Yamal a serious doubt for World Cup 2026, after freak injury in Barcelona win Barcelona teenager and Lamine Yamal's partner-in-crime set for major summer role 'The Boy's A Bit Special' Spain squad World Cup 2026: Luis de la Fuente's World Cup squad confirmed But on the other hand, you just saw how he enjoyed every single day. It was like, OK, this guy is just too good, and he keeps playing like he doesnt have a care in the world.He was just enjoying himself.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.In the two years that have passed since Spain won Euro 2024, Yamal has proved that he is no flash-in-the-pan, helping Barcelona win back-to-back La Liga titles and being named as the Ballon dOr runner-up last year.The stage is set, therefore, for Yamal to shine on the biggest stage of all this summer, as he looks to overcome his recent injury issues and spearhead Spains World Cup tilt.Hes matured a lot since the Euros, Merino continues. Hes a much better player now than he was before, even if thats difficult.Yamal will turn 19 in the week leading up to the final this summer and Merino knows that the squads collective experience will be key in getting the most out of the teenager.Hes a massive player, probably the best in the world at the minute, but hes not the only player who needs to perform he cant do it on his own.Id say our biggest strength is that were like a collective and we play as a team. Hes a big part of a bigger puzzle.TOPICSSpainWorld CupJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromEd McCambridgeStaff Writer
