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Tom Bellwood

Spain player ratings vs Bulgaria: Lamine Yamal is an inspiration! European champions make a statement with thumping win in first World Cup qualifier as Mikel Merino, Marc Cucurella and Mikel Oyarzabal all score

Yamal was a constant thorn in Bulgaria's side as La Roja, who were slightly wasteful, rolled over their desperately sorry opponents.

Spain began their World Cup qualifying campaign in thrilling style with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Bulgaria in Sofia. 

First-half goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella and Mikel Merino fired La Roja to a comfortable victory, making it just one defeat in the past 70 World Cup qualifiers for the 2010 champions.

But it was 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, marking his 22nd international appearance, who was Spain's prominent attacking threat on right-hand side, displaying the talent and temperament which could earn him the headlines at next year's World Cup. 

GOAL rates Spain's players from Vasil Levski National Stadium...

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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Unai Simon (6/10): 

    Barely troubled all evening. Was scrambling for one shot early in the first-half, but that was it. Practically a night off. 

    Pedro Porro (7/10): 

    Made a crucial block midway through the first-half, deflecting a shot onto the post. Was untroubled apart from that and was a threatening presence upfield. 

    Robin Le Normand (6/10): 

    Booked for a clumsy challenge with Aleksander Kolev. Subbed at half-time after a comfortable first 45 minutes. 

    Dean Huijsen (8/10):

    Cool, calm and composed. Impressed with some delightful long-ball passes from the back and displayed express pace when covering. 

    Marc Cucurella (7/10):

    An absolute peach for his first international goal. He barely even cracked a smile after the goal - a sign of Spain's dominance. 

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    Midfield

    Pedri (7/10):

    A confident evening, with acres of space to roam into, maybe only disappointed he didn't create more. 

    Martin Zubamendi (7/10):

    Provided the assist for Oyarzabal's opening goal. A busy presence across midfield and would have impressed his new boss Mikel Arteta. 

    Mikel Merino (7/10):

    Perfectly-timed leap to powerfully head home Spain's third. Enjoyed an easy evening, able to pick his passes at will. 

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    Attack

    Lamine Yamal (9/10):

    A constant threat on the wing, with endless energy and trickery, he ran Bulgaria ragged. Provided the assist for Merino's goal. 

    Nico Williams (6/10):

    A relatively quiet night playing the attacking left role as Spain's main thrusts came down the right. Didn't put a foot wrong all game. 

    Mikel Oyarzabal (8/10):

    Great touch and finish to bag the first goal inside five minutes. A constant threat around the box. 

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    Subs & Manager

    Pau Cubarsi (6/10):

    Came on at the start of the second-half, replacing Le Normand and enjoyed one of the most comfortable games he'll ever play. 

    Rodri (6/10):

    Made a very welcome return for La Roja, playing the final half hour after serious injury playing for Man City. Some neat touches, but little impact. 

    Dani Carvajal (6/10):

    Another player delighted to be returning after an extended absence. Very little opportunity for him to shine. 

    Dani Olmo: (5/10):

    Replaced Williams in the 71st minute and showed great willing in wide positions, but failed to find that crucial pass. 

    Jesus Rodriguez (5/10):

    Made his debut, replacing Yamal in the 79th minute. Will merely be pleased with having a few touches of the ball. 

    Luis de la Fuente (7/10):

    The only complaint the manager will have is that his side failed to score more goals. Will be pleased to see key stars return to international duty following injury.