Featured Image Credit: Hayters TV
Topics:Â Lamine Yamal, Barcelona, Football
Nasir Jabbar
Lamine Yamal has changed his mind on the toughest defender he has faced in his career so far.
Yamal has emerged as one of the leading talents in world football following his stellar performances for Barcelona and Spain.
He scored an impressive 18 goals for Barca last season, having inspired Spain to glory at last summer's European Championship.
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Yamal has terrorised some of the best defenders in the game, but a few have managed to somewhat contain the 17-year-old phenom.
Speaking after Euro 2024, the star winger name-dropped Germany's David Raum, who plays for RB Leipzig, following their duel in the quarter-finals of the competition.
He told Tuttosport: "David Raum has been the toughest opponent I've had to face. In the Euros, against Germany, he was tough to beat. A solid defender."
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While Yamal didn't get on the score-sheet, his side got the better of Germany before going all the way after beating England in the final.
He has since represented Spain at this year's Nations League, where La Roja were beaten by Portugal on penalties in the final.
Yamal came up against Nuno Mendes and admitted that he had been his toughest one-on-one rival of his career, per ESPN.
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Mendes has enjoyed a spectacular campaign on a team and individual front for both club and country.
He helped Paris Saint-Germain win four trophies last season, including the Champions League.
And, of course, he helped Portugal beat Spain to win the Nations League, scoring in Sunday's final.
Considering his achievements last season and beyond, Mendes, who also navigated the threat of Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka during his side's triumphant Champions League campaign, could be a contender for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
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But he isn't thinking about the Ballon d'Or, saying: "Now I will rest because I still have more games ahead. Ballon d'Or? I play my football; there are players who are closer to that prize. I don’t focus much on it."