How is Lamine Yamal adapting to his defensive duties against Portugal?

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Luis de la Fuente says Lamine Yamal has adapted by embracing defensive responsibility and doing more when needed against Portugal.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said Yamal is aware of the defensive responsibilities he must carry into the World Cup last-16 against Portugal. He also pointed to Yamal’s willingness to take on more defensive work as part of his growth, after Yamal impressed in Spain’s 3-0 win over Austria even though he did not score.
Yamal is described as understanding his defensive responsibilities
De la Fuente said Yamal is “very well aware” that his development includes meeting defensive duties against a Portugal side with technically strong players. He framed this as a specific requirement for Yamal’s growth within the tournament, rather than as a general expectation.
The coach links Yamal’s adaptation to his willingness to do more
The Spain boss said he is “always willing to do more,” describing Yamal’s defensive mindset as something that has been developing through the competition. De la Fuente said he is pleased with what Yamal is doing, and noted that the wider team is also pleased with the progress they are seeing.
Yamal’s recent tournament form is tied to Spain’s defensive record
Spain enter the Portugal clash after three straight wins in which they kept clean sheets, meaning they conceded no goals across those matches. Within that run, Yamal’s overall performance has been highlighted despite not scoring in the 3-0 victory over Austria in the last-32.
His injury recovery and momentum are part of the context
De la Fuente said Yamal arrived in North America after a hamstring injury and had been growing into the tournament since then. Even with the early tournament setback of a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, Yamal recovered and continued to build momentum, with De la Fuente now emphasising his readiness to handle defensive responsibilities against Portugal.

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How is Lamine Yamal adapting to his defensive duties against Portugal?

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