“It’s a privilege to play with him”

Spain international defender Pedro Porro has spoken about what an honor it is to play alongside Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. The defender also went on to wish new Blaugrana signing Anthony Gordon the best following his move from Newcastle to the Catalan giants.

Speaking with the press ahead of the Euro 2024 winners’ first game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Cape Verde on Monday, Porro underlined how important Yamal was to the team, saying via Barca Blaugranes:

“Lamine is our most important player and it’s a privilege to play with him. When you have a player like him in front of you, you try to adapt to him,”

Yamal has been a key part of the Spanish national team since he made his debut for the Iberian nation in September 2023. He has scored six times and provided 12 assists to help his country to a European title.

Porro also gave his assessment of new Barcelona signing Anthony Gordon following his move to the La Liga champions from the Premier League. telling the interviewer:

“I’ve faced him in the Premier League and he’s very fast, versatile, and has an eye for goal. He’s very competitive. I wish him all the best at Barça,”

Gordon was impressive for the Magpies in the recently concluded campaign, bagging 17 goals and five assists in 46 games across competitions. The two players faced each other seven times in the past, with the English man winning five drawing one and losing once while contributing three goals before his €80 million transfer this summer.

Porro will hope Lamine Yamal can replicate his impressive season for Blaugrana that saw him bag 24 goals and 18 assists in 45 games across competitions.

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal faces race to prove fitness before opening World Cup game

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal faces a race against the clock to prove he is fit enough to play in Spain’s opening World Cup game against Cape Verde. The teenager was injured during club duties for Blaugrana and has been out of action since April after tearing a muscle.

The forward has been injured for 39 days and missed the last six games his Catalan club played in the recently concluded campaign. Despite his injury setbacks, he managed the most assists in the Spanish top flight, setting up 11 goals for the eventual league winners.

La Roja boss Luis de la Fuente discussed how likely it was for the 18-year-old to play in the opening game for the European Champions in a recent interview, telling The Guardian:

“He’s recovering quickly, meeting all his objectives ahead of schedule. I think he’ll be able to play in the first match, but that doesn’t mean he will. We’ll assess whether he needs to play a little, not play at all, or wait until the second match,”

Lamine Yamal will hope he can return in time to make his debut in the World Cup for Spain and potentially build on an impressive club campaign with Barcelona.