Jules Kounde tells Lamine Yamal what he must do to transfer electrifying Euro 2024 form for Spain to Barcelona

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is confident that team-mate Lamine Yamal can carry his scintillating form for Spain into the 2024-25 domestic season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Yamal stole the show at Euro 2024, helping Spain triumph with four assists – including one in the final – en route to being named Young Player of the Tournament. His Barcelona team-mate Kounde was helpless to prevent the 17-year-old scoring in Spain’s 2-1 win over France in the semi-final, and the defender believes Yamal can get even better.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Yamal enjoyed a breakthrough 2023-24 campaign with Barcelona, making his first start in August and going on to become the youngest player to make 50 appearances for the club in May – two months shy of his 17th birthday. His talent was obvious even before the Euros, but Kounde believes he has the perfect attitude to keep improving.

WHAT KOUNDE SAID

“I expect to see the same from him that we saw last season and at the Euros,” Kounde said, per ESPN. “He has grown a lot, and he is a player who makes a difference. He listens and learns and if he keeps doing that, he can only get better.”

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

An even better Yamal is a scary proposition for defenders in La Liga. The Blaugrana, entering a new era under boss Hansi Flick, begin the new season on August 17 with a trip to Valencia.