Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed that Lamine Yamal is fit to start against Saudi Arabia in their second World Cup group-stage match in Atlanta. De la Fuente said the 18-year-old winger came off the bench against Cape Verde and can now manage a full start with approximately one hour of playing time.
De la Fuente urged observers not to compare Yamal to historical figures like Lionel Messi or Diego Maradona, but rather to artistic geniuses such as Salvador Dalí and Michelangelo. "What we think is exceptional, they consider normal," the coach explained, noting Yamal's extraordinary maturity at a young age.
The teenager has been the focal point of Spain's World Cup campaign following his recovery from an April shoulder injury. De la Fuente emphasized that Yamal needs guidance as an 18-year-old but possesses the mental strength and serenity to handle the unique pressures of the tournament.
Yamal's confirmed participation as a starter affects Spain's attacking odds for the Saudi Arabia match, with bettors likely to adjust spreads and goal-scorer markets based on his expected prominence in the attack.
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