Deschamps sees Spain among World Cup favorites, says Lamine Yamal needs to be at his best

Didier Deschamps, the French national football team coach, has identified Spain as a significant contender for the 2016 World Cup. He places France within a broad group of favorites, which also includes Portugal and Germany. Deschamps specifically noted the potential of Lamine Yamal, stating that Spain will require the young Barcelona player to be at his "best level" to secure the championship.

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Spain, with Lamine Yamal, whom I see continuing to establish himself as one of the best players in the world.

"Spain, with Lamine Yamal, whom I see continuing to establish himself as one of the best players in the world," Deschamps remarked in an interview with the Belgian newspaper Le Soir. He elaborated that Spain's "La Roja" will need "a Lamine at his best level." Deschamps acknowledged that while he is unaware of the specifics of Yamal's injury, the player's ability in "decision-making areas" will be crucial for Spain's tournament run.

The French coach also praised Spain's "qualities in possession" and the "individual characteristics of players trained in excellence." However, he was particularly impressed by the team's "speed," which he believes is a difficult attribute for opponents to counter.

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La Roja will need a Lamine at his best level.

Deschamps also included Roberto Martínez's Portuguese team among the potential winners, citing their "very balanced team, a great collective, and top-level individuals." He mentioned England, Germany, and South American teams as other candidates, while also reminding observers not to overlook Morocco, whose 2022 World Cup performance demonstrated the significant progress of African teams.

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And that, speed, hurts the opponent. To counter it is very difficult.

Regarding his own team, Deschamps accepted France's status as a contender but insisted they are "one of the favorites," not "the favorite." He also defended French captain Kylian Mbappé against criticism, attributing the increased attention to the "flip side of the coin" for elite athletes and the amplification effect of social media.

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Kylian will always give something to talk about. Whether in Spain or with the French national team. The phenomenon has been amplified with the advent of social media: the minority is heard more because it expresses itself louder, while the majority remains silent.