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Lamine Jamal does not seem to be in the best physical condition to start as a starter in the match against Saudi Arabia.
"I'm ready for whatever the coach wants, but I'm not ready for a whole match."
In an interview with Spanish television TVE, the Spanish talent spoke about his physical condition, goals in the World Cup and expectations for the Spanish national team.
"I feel very good. I've been out for a long time and I can't wait to play. I'm ready for whatever the coach wants, although being well doesn't mean I'll play. That's up to the coach, but I'm ready," explained the Barcelona player, who played 20 minutes in Spain's opening match at the World Cup.
Lamine himself lowered expectations for an immediate activation as a starter.
"I think it's too early to play a full game. It's unnecessary. I have an adaptation process and it's not time to play a full game," he admitted.
Difficult season
Lamine believes that this has been the most complicated season of his short career due to physical problems, but that this has helped him mature as a footballer.
"I was never injured and this year I've had injuries that have kept me out. All of this helps me mature."
Desire to play
Speaking about the match against Cape Verde, which he initially watched from the bench, Jamal admitted that he couldn't wait to get back on the field.
"I already wanted to be on the field. I really want to be able to help the team. I think that ambition helps me want to win and want to play," he said.
"I know what I am in Spain and outside Spain. I can do things on the pitch that people like and that's all I want, that's enough for me."
Spain and its "small" opponents
Jamal also spoke about the difficulties Spain faces against teams that defend with many players.
"At Barça we are used to these types of matches. If I have three players above me, it means there are other teammates who are free. It's about helping the team and finding the best solution," he said.
The pressure of being one of the stars of the World Cup
At 18 years old, Jamal is one of the tournament's most prominent figures, with his image appearing in many of the host cities.
"I'm taking it easy. I know what I am in Spain and outside Spain. I try to give my maximum level. If I have that image in a building it's because I can do things on the pitch that people like, that people get excited when they see me play and that's the only thing I want," the 18-year-old said.
Asked about the comments that circulated after a training session, where some media interpreted that he seemed upset, Jamal reacted with humor.
"I understand the job of journalists well. When there's nothing to talk about, you'll have to invent something ," he joked.
Without obsessing over Mbappe, Haaland or Messi
Despite comparisons to the biggest names in world football, Jamal says he doesn't measure success by individual statistics.
"I don't think Mbappe has scored two goals and I want to do it too. My obsession is not that. I want to enjoy and I want to win. I can score 16 goals and be eliminated in the semi-finals, and that's not what I'm looking for."
Lamine and his idol
Speaking about the footballers he admires the most, Jamal revealed that his idol is Neymar, while he considers Lionel Messi the best footballer in history.
"My idol is Neymar because I like watching him play, but Messi is the best and there is no argument that can be made against that fact."
"If anyone has doubts about whether or not Messi is the best player in history, it comes from the fact that they apparently haven't followed him well. Messi is the best and there is no discussion."
He also expressed his readiness for a possible confrontation with Argentina.
"I would like to. To win a World Cup you have to beat the best. If we meet Argentina, so much the better. We signed the final."
The striker concluded his story by pointing out the positive atmosphere that reigns in the Spanish camp and emphasizing that the presence of family and friends makes the long stay in the United States easier.
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