“Lamine Yamal in Euro 2024 reminds me of Wayne Rooney at the Euros in 2004” : Ian Wright
Ian Wright has compared Spanish wonderkid Lamine Yamal’s performance at the 2024 Euros to that of Wayne Rooney’s brilliance two decades earlier. Lamine Yamal was declared the Young Player of the 2024 Euros, for his sensational performances which helped Spain claim the title.
The 17-year-old scored one of the goals of the tournament against France in the semifinals. Lamine Yamal was among the most consistent players in the tournament, proving to be a constant threat out on the wings. Ian Wright stated that his performances reminded him of former England striker and captain Wayne Rooney.
Wayne Rooney burst onto the scene at the 2004 Euros, where he scored four goals, before injuring his foot. “What [we] saw from Lamine Yamal in Euro 2024 reminds me of how Wayne Rooney played at the Euros in 2004 in Portugal. Rooney was going on to be the player of the tournament until he did his ankle. He was unbelievable,” said Ian Wright as quoted by the Goal.
Ian Wright says Lamine Yamal was the player of the tournament for him
Ian Wright went on to add that Lamine Yamal was the player of the tournament for him at the 2024 Euros. The youngster had been incredibly consistent, and terrified defenses throughout the course of the tournament. Spanish midfielder Rodri has been announced as the player of the tournament for his vital contributions in the middle of the park.
“Lamine Yamal is my player of the tournament – it can’t be anyone else. A 16-year-old who has been so consistent throughout the whole tournament and scored one of the goals of the tournament. He’s been unbelievable,” he added.
Lamine Yamal will join the Barcelona pre-season camp after a couple of weeks of much deserved rest. The Spanish side will face the likes of AC Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester City as part of their pre-season preparations in the United States.
Spain defeated England in the finals of the 2024 Euros by a score-line of 2-1 to be crowned as the champions for a third time in the last five attempts. They were clearly the best side of the tournament, defeating the hosts Germany in the quarterfinals, and France in the semifinals.
