Lamine Yamal isn’t keen on playing in both competitions
Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal says he prefers playing at the Euro 2024 for Spain, over the 2024 Olympics. He doesn’t fancy the idea of playing in both competitions, given the fitness problems Pedri developed after playing in both in 2021.
A rising star, the teenager is currently facing the prospect of playing at both competitions this summer, given his precocious talents. However, Barcelona are concerned that it might take a toll on his fitness ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Moreover, the club is aware of Pedri’s fitness issues that emerged after the midfielder played for Spain at both, Euro 2020 and the 2020 Olympics back-to-back. They are keen to avoid a similar prospect with Yamal, who has come of age with the side.
Recently though, the 17-year-old has come clean on which tournament he wants to play. During an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Lamal himself said that playing in both isn’t the most wise thing to do, and that he prefers to represent La Roja at the more prestigious Euro 2024. He said:
“It wouldn’t be wise to participate in both tournaments. I’ve always tried to avoid overloading myself and playing excessively, so it wouldn’t be logical to do both. But of course, representing Spain is a dream. It depends on how the Euro Cup unfolds, but I believe the priority would be the Euro Cup.”
Having said that, Lamal added that he is “definitely” open to participating at the Olympics, if he isn’t used enough by Spanish head coach Luis de la Fuente, or if the Reds exit the tournament early. He also spoke of Pedri’s experience of playing at both in 2021, saying:
“It’s an example of what can happen because he’s the only one I remember doing it.“
Young players getting over-burdened at international tournaments is a concern raised by many big clubs. Real Madrid have already prohibited their youngsters from playing at both, continental cups and the Olympics, emphasizing on their fitness upon their return for club duties, Meanwhile, the Spanish Football Federation has assured Barcelona that they will not overuse their young players at the upcoming tournaments.
Yamal, Spain’s next big thing
Lamine Yamal has truly come of age for Barcelona this season. The 17-year-old has caught everyone’s attention with his precocious talents. He’s amassed 40 appearances for Xavi’s side this season, netting six times and registering another seven assists. He’s already announced himself on the international state, having made six appearances for Spain, and netting twice. He’s one of the best young talents to watch at the Euro 2024 this summer.
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