by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, June 21 (Xinhua) -- For Lamine Yamal, a robust Wi-Fi connection is one of his biggest concerns in Spain's base camp in a luxurious spa resort in Donaueschingen in the Black Forest, as it means he can finish his homework.
"I hope the teacher lets me pass the class," the youngster said on his way to finish his online lessons and sending homework back to his teachers. The story of the gifted 16-year-old might be one of the most unusual around Euro 2024.
To combine school and sporting issues seems to come easily, while it seems more than a bold guess that the subject of football is at an even higher level.
While academic matters reportedly progressing well, Yamal's footballing performance comes near to world-class, with several records being set.
Youthful nonchalance, irresistible dribbling, razor-sharp crosses, rocket-like shots and headers. The skills of Spain's wonderkid appear like a piece of cake when the brace-wearing student is on the pitch.
Against Croatia (3-0) and Italy (1-0), the wide forward seemed to naturally transform into another form of existence. Magician, artist, weapon, talent of the century - there is no limit to the superlatives to describe him.
Together with 21-year-old Nico Williams and Pedri, a range of youngsters complete Spain's line-up, featuring a well-oiled mixture of freshness and experience.
Among Spain's young charges, Yamal stands out as he became the youngest player in European Championship history. At 16 years and 57 days old last September, he made his debut for the national team, and took to the pitch in Germany earlier this month at 16 years and 338 days old.
Turning 17 on July 13, the day before the tournament final, he became the youngest scorer in Spain's history against Georgia last autumn; not to speak of making his La Liga debut for FC Barcelona at 15 years, nine months and 16 days old. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Barca have written a buyout fee of one billion euros in his contract, which runs until 2026. ■
