“This little b*stard was throwing paper balls in class” - Spain star admits to being mesmerised by Lamine Yamal at Euro 2024

Spain's Euro 2024-winning captain Alvaro Morata has lavished praise on midfield sensation Lamine Yamal for his exploits in La Roja's fourth European Championship triumph. They beat England 2-1 in the final in Berlin on Sunday (July 14).

Barcelona teenager Yamal belied his tender years as he emerged as one of the standouts in the quadrennial continental competition in Germany. Playing all seven games, Yamal bagged a goal and four assists - including one in the final - to create records galore.

Waxing lyrical about Yamal - who turned 17 a day before the final - Morata joked that Yamal has come from 'messing' around in class to doing so at the Euros (as per Barca Universal):

"17 years old huh! I can't believe it. But even worse, I know his teachers can't even believe it. This little bast*rd was throwing paper balls in class. He was messing around in class, and now he's messing around in the Euros!"

Morata, though, had a lukewarm Euro 2024 campaign, scoring once and assisting once in seven games and was substituted in the final, with his team leading 1-0 and looking for a second.

The Three Lions equalised in the 73rd minute through substitute Cole Palmer, but La Roja had the last laugh. Mikel Oyarzabal - who replaced Morata - drilled in an 86th minute winner to break English hearts.

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Spain's Lamine Yamal adjudged UEFA Euro 2024 Young Player of the Tournament

Spain midfielder Lamine Yamal

The accolades keep coming for Lamine Yamal after a memorable Euro 2024 campaign with champions France. After becoming the youngest player to assist and score in competition history, Yamal became the youngest to appear in a major final (Euros and FIFA World Cup).

His four assists in the campaign is the most by any player in the Euros since 1980. Now, he has added another accolade to his cap, getting named the UEFA Young Player of the Tournament, having produced a tournament-high four assists and 32 dribbles.

It's the second straight time that a Spain player won the honour, with Yamal's teammate Pedri doing so at Euro 2020 three years ago, where La Roja lost to eventual champions Italy on penalties in the semi-final.