Lamine Yamal blasted for 'gestures' and lack of effort for Spain as Netherlands legend claims Barcelona wonderkid was in Jorrel Hato's 'pocket' in World Cup qualifier

Mikel Merino scored a late equaliser as the European champions held the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final fixture earlier this week. Barcelona sensation Yamal had a quiet outing in the game as he failed to make a fruitful contribution to his team and was kept silent for the majority of the game by Netherlands left-back Jorrel Hato.

Ahead of the second leg clash in Spain, former Netherlands and Real Madrid star Van der Vaart has heavily criticised the 17-year-old for his body language on the pitch as he claimed the young winger was left frustrated by Hato's resilient defending.

Speaking on NOS television, the Dutch legend said: "Yamal didn't seem to take kindly to facing Hato. These are things I notice: I see things that are starting to bother me a little. Pants a little lower, not making much of an effort, slightly superficial gestures.

"That's when I think: if you're that young, you should be happy with every minute you play for Spain. No matter how good you are, at that age, you have to prove it every minute and in every game. But that doesn't change the fact that Hato simply had him in his pocket."

La Furia Roja will now host Netherlands in the second leg of their Nations League quarter-final on Sunday at Mestalla stadium in Valencia. Hato will miss the game due to suspension after being sent off late on in the first game.