Portugal’s Nuno Mendes has claimed that he ‘cancelled out’ Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal during the Nations League final win.
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Lamine Yamal 'cancelled out' by Mendes in Portugal winMendes claims Dembele better positioned for Ballon d'OrSpain superstar goes missing in the Nations League finalFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Mendes had the task of battling Barcelona wonderkid Yamal during Portugal’s Nations League final against Spain, and came out on top as Selecao das Quinas won the clash in a penalty shootout. The Paris Saint-Germain left-back managed to do what a lot of defenders have failed to do over the course of the last year, as he managed to keep Yamal quiet through the clash. Mendes has revelled in the fact that he 'cancelled out’ the 17-year-old, which helped Portugal win their second Nations League title.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT MENDES SAID
Speaking to the media, Mendes said: "It was a clash [with Yamal] like many others I have had during the season. I have faced up to many great players, very technically skilled players who can make a difference, but today I cancelled out Lamine and [did] not let him do what he does best.
"This helped the team, and I am happy I helped the team win this trophy. It's all about being consistent. I have played many good games, and it's about the work I do individually and with the coaches at PSG and Portugal."
Getty Images/GoalTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Yamal is currently considered one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or this year, alongside Mendes’ PSG team-mate, Ousmane Dembele. However, the Portuguese left-back has claimed that the France superstar is in a better position to win the coveted title.
He said: "The Ballon d'Or? I play with Ousmane [Dembele], and he had a wonderful season. Lamine also had a wonderful season. But Ousmane will be in the Club World Cup and Lamine won't, so I'm very happy for Ousmane.
"He had a lot of injuries at Barca before arriving at PSG, but he is an amazing player. I like him very much as a player and a man. I wish him the best for the Ballon d'Or, and I and his teammates will help him get there."
WHAT NEXT FOR MENDES?
The 22-year-old has been in fine form for both Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal. However, he will not be able to have a proper rest this summer, with Les Parisiens set to participate in the Club World Cup later this month.