Spanish Duo Shine in Euro 2024: Rodri Named Best Player, Lamine Yamal Takes Young Player Award
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15 July 2024 07:43 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Spain's dominance at Euro 2024 extended beyond winning the trophy. Midfielder Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, known as Rodri, was named Player of the Tournament, while his teammate Lamine Yamal claimed the Best Young Player award.
Both played crucial roles in helping Spain to become the Euro 2024 champion, although neither of them scored in the final against England, which Spain won 2-1 in Berlin, Germany, on Monday morning, July 15.
Rodri and Yamal were selected by the UEFA Technical Observer Team, which included Fabio Capello, David Moyes, Rafael Benitez, Avram Grant, Packie Bonner, Frank de Boer, Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Rodri: Engine of La Roja's Success
Rodri, the experienced Manchester City midfielder, was the engine of Spain's play. He started in six matches and only came on as a substitute once. While he only scored once in the last-16 win over Georgia, his influence was undeniable. Even after being forced off in the final against England, Rodri remained focused on the team's achievement.
“This is surely the best day of my career. We are European champions, as difficult as that is. We have become Europe’s most successful national team,” Rodri declared, highlighting Spain's historic victory.
“We have made history, beating four former world champions in the process. We got through the toughest draw and it speaks for the mentality of the team.”
Yamal: Young Star Makes History
Meanwhile, 17-year-old teammate Lamine Yamal took home the Best Young Player award. He featured in all seven of Spain's matches, starting in six. Yamal became the youngest player to appear in the tournament opener against Croatia (16 years, 338 days) and later set a new record as the youngest goalscorer with a stunning strike against France in the semi-finals (16 years, 362 days).
Yamal surpassed both records by appearing in the final, becoming the youngest player ever to feature in a major international final (Euros or FIFA World Cup). His contributions went beyond his historic feats as he provided the assist for Nico Williams' opening goal in the final.
UEFA
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