'I have to pull his ears!' - Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal explains why he has to punish Spain team-mate & Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal

The veteran and the prodigy have become key figures on Spain's right flank as manager Luis de la Fuente will look to blend Carvajal's experience with Yamal's youthful exuberance in the upcoming European Championships. The Real Madrid full-back showered lavish praise on the teenager as he happens to be in awe of the young talent's rapid rise in elite football.

In an interview with Marca, when Carvajal was asked about his relationship with Yamal, he stated: "We were talking the other day…I told him that when I was 17 years old I was celebrating winning the Youth League with Real Madrid and he is here, playing in the Euros with the senior team and being relevant at Barcelona."

However, Carvajal admitted that Yamal's defensive work rate could be improved.

"A good player, but sometimes I have to pull him by the ears to help me defend (laughs). He is a pure talent," he remarked.

Yamal's performances for Spain have not gone unnoticed. He has received standing ovations from fans on multiple occasions, a testament to his outstanding displays on the field. One of the most memorable moments came in March at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid's home stadium and a venue typically hostile to Barcelona players.

During a thrilling 3-3 draw against Brazil, Yamal was instrumental in all three of Spain's goals. His contributions were so significant that when he was substituted in the final moments of the game, the entire stadium stood to applaud him — a rare and significant gesture at the home of Barcelona's fiercest rivals.

This extraordinary recognition didn't stop there. Just a few days ago, Yamal once again showcased his talent during Spain's match against Northern Ireland at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix in Mallorca. His two crucial assists were pivotal in securing a victory for Spain, and his performance earned him yet another standing ovation from the crowd.

The praise from Carvajal, a seasoned and respected figure in Spanish football, speaks volumes about Yamal's potential. It also underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists within the Spanish national team, where players from rival clubs come together to represent their country. They will begin their journey in Euro 2024 against Croatia on June 15.