Vicente del Bosque does not stint on praise for the young FC Barcelona forward, highlighting his attractive play during the press conference following Spain's coronation as champions of the FIFA World Cup Mexico/USA/Canada 2026. The manager who led the national team to its first world title in 2010 heaps praise on Lamine Yamal, lauding his depth, ball-carrying, and the manner he opens up the field, though he admits the young player did not show his best form during the tournament.
"He is a very attractive player. He has everything to become an excellent player and he will be.", Del Bosque emphasized.
The Asturian coach also reflected on the evolution of Spanish football, marking the turning point after the 2008 European Championship, when "we used to go abroad to see what our rivals did and now they come to see us". Del Bosque valued Rodri's prominence, awarded best player of the tournament, and rejected comparing the current squad with the 2010 side, praised Luis de la Fuente's work and admitted that emotional control is fundamental for a coach.
Along with his thoughts on the tournament, Del Bosque mentioned favorites outside Spain like Olise and Mbappé, and questioned the inclusion of the hydration break in modern football, declaring that "I don't think it affects the continuity of the game as much as people say, but it is true that I think there is too much time between one thing and another". He notes that while he understands stopping when it is very hot, he does not think it should be habitual, suggesting television and advertising have a lot to do with these decisions in modern football.
What does the current cycle mean for Spanish football?
The Spanish national team made history by becoming bicampeones mundiales after defeating Argentina in the final of the FIFA World Cup Mexico/USA/Canada 2026. Vicente del Bosque, who led the team to the first title in 2010, analyzes how the model has evolved since then. The manager highlights the export of Spanish talent at player and coach level as one of the most significant changes in the last decade, asserting that the current playing style reflects the country's identity more than ever.
How did Del Bosque evaluate Lamine Yamal's performance at the World Cup?
Despite acknowledging that Lamine Yamal did not show his best form during the 2026 World Cup, Del Bosque underscores his importance in the current cycle. The young FC Barcelona forward was fundamental in helping Spain achieve glory both continentally and globally under Luis de la Fuente. Del Bosque especially values the depth, carrying, and manner Yamal opens up the field, qualities that make him a very attractive player for the future of the selection.
What does Del Bosque think about the modern tournament structure?
Del Bosque questioned the inclusion of the hydration break in matches, arguing that "I don't think it affects the continuity of the game as much as people say, but it is true that I think there is too much time between one thing and another". The manager notes that while he understands the need to stop when it is very hot, he does not think it should be habitual, suggesting television and advertising have a lot to do with these decisions in modern football.
Who did Del Bosque highlight as favorites outside Spain?
In addition to analyzing his own selection's performance, Del Bosque mentioned Olise and Mbappé as his favorites of the tournament outside Spanish ranks. The manager recognized how uncomfortable it could be to play against the albiceleste led by Lionel Scaloni, while seeing Spain as favorable in a possible matchup, though he acknowledged the Argentine squad's quality.
Final reflections on time division in football
To conclude the conversation, Del Bosque reflected on the division of the match into four times following the inclusion of the hydration break and the halftime show more akin to sports like American football. He declared that "times are changing" and, although he does not think it affects continuity as much as people say, he recognizes that the prolonged interval is excessive for the habitual routine of the match.
