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Former France and Arsenal football icon Thierry Henry said that he is "amazed" by the game intelligence of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, saying that the upcoming FIFA World Cup deserves to witness the 18-year-old at his peak, even at it comes at expense of his native team, France.
Speaking at an event in London ahead of the global showpiece event starting from June 11 onwards, Henry spoke of the youngster's massive role in Spain's 2024 Euro Championships triumph, pointing out the intelligence and composure beyond his years that Yamal has. Henry said that during the 2024 Euro semifinal against France, which Spain won by 2-1, Yamal chose game management over individual glory and an attacking mindset even when Spain was 1-0 down in the ninth minute. Speaking on Marca as quoted by Goal.com, Henry said, "You know what amazes me about Lamine? I remember in the semi-final against France, on a counter-attack, already winning 2-1, he had the chance to keep attacking, but no, at 17 years old, he had the intelligence to slow the game down, to control the pace, because that is what was best for the team. And he told his teammates as much." "He controlled the ball, brought it down, and laid it off to Carvajal. What?! At 17! People focus on his skill and technique, but what amazed me was his intelligence. That kid plays like he is in his own neighbourhood. Time will tell what happens, but he's shown me he can be the star of any World Cup," he added. Henry also said that the tournament deserves to see Yamal at his best, expressing his desire to see the best players in their top form, even if his best comes against his own team, France. "I hope he is at his peak, because at the World Cup we want the best players in top form. Even if it is worse for France, I want to see the best Lamine Yamal there. We know he's an exceptional player, and he already proved it at the last European Championship, which Spain won, by the way," he signed off. Yamal has taken a significant step forward in his recovery from injury, returning to grass training at FC Barcelona's facilities as he eyes a place in Spain's football team's squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 18-year-old forward has resumed individual on-field sessions after initially undergoing gym-based rehabilitation following a partial tear of the biceps femoris in his left leg, sustained on April 22. Barcelona's medical team has opted for a conservative recovery route, ruling him out of the club's remaining domestic fixtures this season. (ANI)
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