Andres Iniesta claims Spain’s World Cup fortunes hinge on Lamine Yamal: ‘A very important player’

Andres Iniesta claims Spain’s World Cup fortunes hinge on Lamine Yamal: ‘A very important player’ Few players understand what it takes to deliver on football’s biggest stage better than Andres Iniesta, and the Barcelona legend believes Spain possess the talent to challenge for World Cup glory once again. The man who scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final remains optimistic about Luis de la Fuente’s side and sees Lamine Yamal as one of the players capable of making the difference when the pressure is at its highest. While acknowledging the unpredictable nature of major tournaments, Iniesta remains convinced that Spain have enough quality to compete with the best nations in the world. Lamine Yamal can influence Spain’s destiny Spain’s hopes of lifting a second World Cup title could depend heavily on the influence of one player, according to Iniesta. The former Barcelona midfielder explained the importance of Yamal’s impact, insisting that the teenager’s ability to decide matches may prove decisive for the national team’s ambitions. Speaking about the youngster’s role within Luis de la Fuente’s squad, Iniesta was quoted by Mundo Deportivo as saying, “Lamine Yamal is a very important player for the national team, and the team’s future obviously also depends a great deal on the difference Lamine Yamal can make in matches.” Iniesta says Lamine Yamal will be key for Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) However, the World Cup winner was quick to mention that international tournaments rarely follow a straightforward pattern. Iniesta stressed that margins are often extremely small and that even minor mistakes can alter the course of an entire campaign. “These kinds of tournaments are very difficult and the slightest detail can prove very costly.” Despite that warning, confidence in Spain’s chances remains intact. Spain among the favourites for the World Cup Iniesta has not changed his opinion regarding Spain’s status among the leading contenders for the trophy. The former midfielder believes the current generation has enough quality, personality and balance to compete against the strongest teams in the tournament. “For me, Spain is one of the favourites, because of the players and the impression they give me.  Iniesta is optimistic about Spain’s World Cup chances. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images) “I remain very optimistic and I hope and pray that we’ll be able to win that second star.” The former Barcelona captain also reflected on the individuals who have stood out the most during the competition. “So far, it’s been Leo Messi and Kylian Mbappé in particular, who have both scored six goals,” he said. World Cup continues to produce surprises One of the defining characteristics of the World Cup has always been its unpredictability, and Iniesta believes the current edition has been no different. Several traditional heavyweights have already suffered disappointing exits, reinforcing the idea that reputations count for little once the knockout rounds begin. Discussing the unexpected twists witnessed so far, Iniesta concluded, “We’ve seen the usual surprises with big-name teams being knocked out, such as Germany and the Netherlands.”