Euro 2024: Julian Nagelsmann questions Lamine Yamal's mentality ahead of Spain clash -'When things get tough'

Lamine Yamal has taken the world by storm at Euro 2024 in a titanic battle of two European powerhouses in Stuttgart on Friday when Germany face Spain. Lamine Yamal has caused havoc for La Roja in this summer's finals, but Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann quelled the hype surrounding the 16-year-old. Tonight's winners will face either France or Portugal in the semi-finals.

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has questioned the mettle of Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal heading into Friday night's mouth-watering Euro 2024 quarter-final.

The hosts take on a La Roja side with 16-year-old Yamal showcasing his talents in his first major tournament.

The Barcelona wonderkid has lit up the competition with his dazzling displays, becoming only the third teenager on record to claim multiple assists at the Euros since 1980, after Enzo Scifo (1984) and Cristiano Ronaldo (2004).

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However, Nagelsmann believes that Yamal's biggest tests are yet to come as the tournament reaches closer to its crescendo.

He said: "Let's see how he reacts when things get tough.

"You can't defend him completely. You have to be prepared for different things. My focus is less on [Lamine] Yamal, more on Jamal [Musiala]. We can do something in attack ourselves."

Yamal’s Barca team-mate and Die Mannschaft captain Ilkay Gundogan says the emphasis will be on utilising home advantage to give them the edge.

"We want to ignite this atmosphere with the style and manner in which we play. That can push us - and perhaps make the Spaniards a bit less secure," he explained.

Spain have arguably been the most convincing team at the tournament to date, and remain the only nation with a 100 per cent record in the competition.

Nagelsmann reveals how he talked 'incredible player' Kroos into Germany return

Video credit: SNTV

Manager Luis de la Fuente spoke about stifling the German's qualities, with particular attention being paid to the imminently retiring Toni Kroos.

"We will try to take the initiative and go all-out from the first minute, to minimise their strengths and exploit their weaknesses," said De la Fuente.

"It could have been the final of the European Championship, but I think it will be an even game on a footballing level.

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"We thought about tying Kroos' feet together, but I'm not sure if UEFA will let me," the 63-year-old joked.

"We know how Kroos behaves. We will try to make sure he doesn't have the chance to receive the ball and will limit his passing options."

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