Lamine Yamal declares Spain favourites to win the World Cup and explains his injury: ‘We’re not stupid’

Lamine Yamal was in as good form off the pitch as he was on it, thrilling the media at his first World Cup press conference.

The Barcelona starlet starlet became the second youngest player to open the scoring at a World Cup match as he broke the deadlock in a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.

Lamine was starting for the first time at the tournament having come on as a panic sub during an opening 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.

The 18-year-old has been out injured since April 26th, but with him Spain are one of the favourites.

Or the favourite, according to him.

Lamine says Spain are favourites

“Rodri is a Ballon d’Or winner, Pedri is, for me, the best midfielder in the world, we have Nico, Olmo, Oyarzabal… They’re all very good,” he said.

“If I can help in any way, that’s why I’ll be here. We’re world-class players, that’s why we’re favourites.”

Lamine then commented on his current injury, explaining that it still needs to be managed.

Lamine Yamal injury update

He explained: “It depended on the game, it went as we wanted, the 3-0 scoreline allowed us to rest, and that was perfect.

“We have a very good relationship with De la Fuente. I told him I was ready to play, I’m ready for Spain.

“It had been a long time since I’d played, since I’d even touched a pitch.

“If we had been in the final, I would have played at 100%, but we’re not stupid.

“I wasn’t going to play at 100% when we were 3-0 up in the first 40 minutes.”

De la Fuente later added: “Lamine is in perfect condition to play full matches. It’s also good to leave him like this, with even more motivation.”

Lamine then spoke about what it was like to start his first World Cup match, reflecting on the last tournament when he was 14.

“It’s very special,” he said. “I’ve always dreamed of being at a World Cup, and to be able to score in my first match is a dream come true.

“I watched the other World Cup in class.”

He then was asked how annoying drawing the first match was.

“If I get annoyed playing PlayStation, this makes it even worse,” Lamine admitted. “Now, on to Uruguay.”