Why does Luis de la Fuente expect Lamine Yamal to thrive vs Portugal?

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Luis de la Fuente expects Lamine Yamal to thrive against Portugal because he embraces high-pressure games and is already showing momentum after injury recovery.
Luis de la Fuente said Yamal will do well versus Portugal because he “loves these kinds of games,” which de la Fuente linked to Yamal’s comfort in high-pressure match situations. He also described Yamal as someone who likes being the focus, taking responsibility, and taking the initiative, adding that those traits make him proactive. De la Fuente pointed to Yamal’s return from a hamstring injury and his improving form in the tournament, including a strong display against Austria even though he did not score.
De la Fuente ties Yamal’s mindset to high-pressure matches
De la Fuente specifically said Yamal “loves these kinds of games,” framing his expectation for Monday’s World Cup last-16 clash with Portugal around how Yamal handles pressure. He said Yamal likes to be the focus and enjoys responsibility, while also taking the initiative during matches. In de la Fuente’s view, that combination is what makes Yamal proactive in big games.
Yamal’s injury recovery has helped him build momentum
Yamal arrived in North America after recovering from a hamstring injury, and Spain’s coach said the player has been gaining momentum since then. De la Fuente’s comments on Sunday reflected that Yamal’s development has continued through the tournament rather than stalling after injury. That momentum is part of why he expects Yamal to perform against a Portugal side in the last 16.
Yamal impressed against Austria despite not scoring
In Spain’s 3-0 win over Austria in the last 32, Yamal did not score but produced an “eye-catching display.” The praise was not only about his attacking output, since he was also recognised for improving defensively. De la Fuente linked this defensive awareness to the type of responsibilities he believes Yamal must handle against Portugal.
Spain enter the clash on a defensive clean-sheet run
Spain went into the last-16 showdown after three straight wins without conceding a goal, coming off consecutive clean-sheet performances. De la Fuente said Yamal was aware of his defensive responsibilities against Portugal, a team he described as packed with technically superb players. This context of Spain’s recent defensive record, along with Yamal’s defensive improvement, formed part of de la Fuente’s confidence for the match.

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Why does Luis de la Fuente expect Lamine Yamal to thrive vs Portugal?

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