Wayne Rooney has heaped extraordinary praise on Lamine Yamal, describing the young sensation's impact as 'crazy' after his stellar performance in Spain's dominant 4-0 triumph over Saudi Arabia in the 2026 World Cup.
Yamal, who had faced questions regarding his fitness and limited playing time in previous matches, was surprisingly included in the starting lineup. He wasted no time in making his mark, finding the back of the net within the first 10 minutes of the game. This early goal was not only a personal milestone, marking his inaugural World Cup goal, but also set the tone for Spain's commanding performance.
The prodigious talent was strategically substituted at halftime, a decision that was pre-planned to carefully manage his physical condition and workload. By this point, Spain had already established a comfortable 3-0 lead, a testament to Yamal's significant contribution and the team's overall attacking prowess.
Speaking as a pundit during the broadcast, former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney didn't hold back in his admiration. He specifically lauded Yamal's remarkable maturity on the pitch, his uncanny ability to boost the confidence of his teammates, and his surprisingly diligent defensive work rate.
Rooney emphasized the inspirational effect of Yamal's commitment to tracking back and contributing defensively. He believes that this selfless attitude permeates through the entire Spanish squad, fostering a powerful belief and a collective mindset that they are capable of going all the way and winning the World Cup.
The victory propelled Spain to the summit of Group H, positioning them favorably for the knockout stages. Their next challenge will be a critical encounter against Uruguay, a match that is anticipated to be a stern test of their World Cup aspirations.
Yamal's performance has undoubtedly solidified his status as one of the tournament's most exciting young talents, and his continued development will be keenly watched by fans and pundits alike.
The 'crazy' praise from Rooney underscores the immense potential and immediate impact the 18-year-old is having on the global stage.
