Lamine Yamal's performance against Belgium in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup has been questioned by former Spain international Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Spanish starboy took home the Man of the Match award in a 2-1 victory against the Belgians, despite failing to contribute a goal involvement in the match.
Azpilicueta gave his verdict on Yamal's performance as pundit on the BBC, as Spain look ahead to a semi-final showdown versus France.
'Lamal has more to give' - Cesar Azpilicueta
Yamal ended the match without a goal involvement, but with a somewhat strong dribbling and chance creation performance.
The Barcelona youngster registered four successful dribbles, and created 0.33xA for his side in a 2-1 victory.
Azpilicueta noted Yamal's failure in translating his game to goals and assists, stating "I think he has more to give."
The former Spain international said: "I think when Joaquin Seys came on in the second half he defended Lamine Yamal really well.
"He was very strong and he was defending 1v1 in a lot of situations. Lamine Yamal wants the ball and he wants to take defenders on.
"It is true that his game has not transferred into goals or assists, but he is very influential in Spain's game. He wants to create the difference.
"He is always moving, so I think he has more to give to the team and now is the right time," he concluded, before expressing excitement ahead of Spain's semi-final face-off versus France.
In FourFourTwo's opinion, Azpilicueta is keeping the morale of his countryman high, but hinting that more will be required of him should the Spaniards expect to get through France.
Yamal is one of the only superstars present in North America to have had a poor tournament, by his standards, and it is not feasible for Spain to proceed without their game-breaker at his best.
Now is not the time for Yamal's clinical finishing ability, or supreme chance creation, to leave his body, and he must do more.
A showdown against Didier Deschamps' France is the ultimate stage for him to prove that he belongs in the same tier as other high-performing players at this tournament.
Yamal is one of the world's best, but to become a World Champion, he will need to play like one against his French opposition.
