Mikel Merino has described Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal as probably the best player in the world right now, while acknowledging that Spain cannot rely on the teenager alone heading into the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking about his international team-mate, Merino noted that Yamal has undergone significant personal and professional growth since Spain's triumph at the European Championship. The midfielder praised the youngster's maturity, suggesting the experience of winning a major tournament has sharpened him considerably.

Yamal will turn 19 during the tournament itself this summer — a remarkable milestone that underlines just how extraordinary his rise has been. He was already one of the standout performers at the Euros, and those who train alongside him say the development since then has been striking.

"Lamine Yamal has matured a lot since the Euros," Merino said. "He's probably the best in the world at the minute, but he can't do it on his own."

The comment reflects a wider awareness within the Spain camp that sustainable success demands collective effort. Merino's words suggest the squad is conscious of not over-burdening their most gifted young star, even as they acknowledge the influence he carries into every match.

For African football fans watching the World Cup build-up closely, Yamal's trajectory offers a compelling subplot — a player still in his teens poised to carry the weight of one of the tournament favourites on his shoulders, surrounded by a squad intent on sharing that load.