It was a moment that Thierry Henry will never forget because of the impact it had on him. In my memory, I recall saying, “This guy is way too good. According to the former striker for Arsenal, who spoke with SPORTbible, “He is on a different level.” “For him to think about that in a game of that magnitude is something else.”
More than seven months after witnessing Lamine Yamal at Euro 2024, Henry, who is considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the Premier League, is still in awe of a series of events that took place during the semi-final match between France and Spain on July 9.
The previous summer, Yamal made history for a variety of different reasons. As a result of his accomplishment of becoming the youngest player to participate in the showpiece event of a World Cup or European Championship, he broke the record that had been set by Pele in 1958. He was the first player to score or assist in a quarter-final, semi-final, and final.
The teenager, who notched one goal and four assists, was the only person who was involved in more goals than anyone else at the Euro 2024 tournament.
A phase of play that was overlooked by many during Spain’s 2-1 victory over France in the semi-final was, however, just as emphatic for Henry. Germany defeated France by a score of 2-1.
While Henry was being interviewed by SPORTbible as part of the ‘No Lay’s, No Game’ campaign, he was asked if there is a player in world football that he enjoys watching the most from a spectator’s perspective.
It was Lamine Yamal. Allow me to explain why. He started off by saying, “And it’s not because of what you think I’m going to say right now.”
“It’s his level of growth. I will elaborate. There is no doubt in my mind about it. In the semi-final of the Euro 2024 tournament, Spain leads France by a score of 2-1. The ball is thrown to him by Unai Simon, and he uses the outside of his foot to control it. He looks up and is able to compete against [Theo] Hernandez in a one-on-one match.
“You are still young at that very moment. A goal has been scored by you. Would anyone have made a comment if he had taken possession of the ball and played the one-on-one game? Approximately sixty minutes had passed. It was with the outside of his foot that he made contact with the ball, after which he placed it down, passed it back, and then advised everyone to “calm down.”
“I told you, ‘You’re already doing that at your age, and it’s complete and utter.'” Give it some thought. When that moment came. when you have scored a goal like that in the semifinals of the competition. It’s easy to get carried away. Absolutely no one would have made a comment. Although he had the opportunity to take it one-on-one, he chose to take the ball and then pass it back.
Honestly, I’m. It is a memory that I have said, “This guy is too good.” He is on a completely different plateau. Please have an understanding of the level I am referring to. Stepovers and nutmegs are two things that he does on a regular basis. Nevertheless, the fact that he would even consider doing so during a game of that magnitude is something else.
Because of his age, many people believe that Yamal is a one-of-a-kind talent. Henry makes reference to the fact that he is mature in high-pressure situations; however, his capacity to perform unexpectedly and demonstrate instincts that are becoming increasingly rare in the modern game is arguably the most attractive quality he possesses.
Take, for instance, the match that was played against France. As an alternative to playing the “safe” pass, he curled a breathtaking strike from 25 yards into the top corner of the net. This effort was later recognised as the goal of the tournament.
Henry mentioned a type of player that modern football sometimes longs for when he was asked what he misses the most from his era of football while he was being asked about it.
Observing them makes me long for instinct players. I just miss the guy who is going to try to dribble past everyone or shoot from forty yards out because the game is so structured and scripted, which I’m not saying is wrong or right. I just miss the guy who is going to do either of those things.
“At this point, a manager will say, ‘Don’t lose it!’ the majority of the time. I played striker, and I enjoyed dribbling the ball. Do not get me wrong; you do have some players, but I am missing players who are able to take the ball and keep me on the edge of my seat.
