Robert Lewandowski has spoken admiringly of Lamine Yamal, crediting the teenage winger with playing a key role in Spain's FIFA World Cup triumph — even though Yamal was managing an injury throughout the tournament and never truly hit his peak form.

The Poland striker acknowledged that the version of Yamal fans witnessed during the World Cup was not the youngster at his absolute best, yet his contribution to Spain's title run remained decisive. Lewandowski's words reflect a growing consensus that Yamal's influence, even when hampered, is enough to change the course of a match.

Yamal has established himself as one of football's most exciting talents, and his ability to perform on the grandest stages — even below full fitness — underlines the extraordinary quality he already possesses at such a young age.