Lamine Yamal names his toughest ever opponent as Barcelona & Spain ace hails ‘tough and fierce’ Bundesliga defender

At just 17, Yamal has already faced some top defenders across Euro 2024, the Champions League and La Liga. It was in the quarter-final clash against Germany that Yamal faced his most difficult test, as he highlighted David Raum's strength.

Despite the impression Raum made on Yamal, the 2024 Golden Boy winner got free to set up the opening goal in the quarter-final and the German left-back was substituted before the hour mark.

Yamal told Tuttosport: "David Raum, the left back for Germany and RB Leipzig. A tough, fierce defender. At the European Championship in the quarter-finals against the Germans he proved to be a tough opponent to overcome."

Spain went on to win 2-1 in extra-time of a controversial clash that saw Germany denied a penalty for Marc Cucurella's handball - a decision UEFA's Referees' Committee admitted was wrong. Yamal went on to score in the semi-final win against France before assisting Nico Williams for the opener in the 2-1 final win against England.

Yamal has been sidelined with an ankle injury he sustained against Leganes and will be eager to return to Hansi Flick's team as soon as possible to aid their bid to win La Liga and the Champions League.