Spain midfielder Alex Baena has mounted a strong defence of Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, urging critics to look past simple goalscoring statistics ahead of Spain’s high-stakes FIFA World Cup semi-final against powerhouse rivals France at Dallas Stadium.

There has been some criticism directed towards Lamine as his performances for Spain at the World Cup have not met the lofty standards set by himself over the course of the season.

Overlooked contributions

However, speaking to reporters before the knockout showdown, Baena emphasised the immense, unheralded workload the 19-year-old Barcelona forward carries for La Roja.

“I hope Lamine delivers what he’s done up to today, and if he can help us with another goal or a decisive assist, but I think he’s delivering a fantastic tournament,” Baena told RNE Deportes, addressing the public pressure weighing on the young winger.

Continuing, the Atletico Madrid star added: “Maybe people think he’s expected to score three goals in every match, and he’s capable of doing that. But I think he’s helping the team a lot defensively.”

“He delivers so many things in the game that people might not notice, but I think he’s delivering a huge tournament.”

World Cup campaign by the numbers

While casual observers have clamoured for a repeat of his domestic scoring feats, the tournament statistics validate Baena’s tactical assessment.

Across Spain’s six fixtures en route to the semi-finals, Yamal has accumulated 406 minutes of action, proving to be a highly balanced asset for manager Luis de la Fuente.

Though he has registered just one goal – etched into history against Saudi Arabia where he became the second-youngest player to open scoring in a World Cup match after Pele – his broader impact remains undeniable.

Lamine has engineered five key passes, successfully completed 21 dribbles – most by any player at the tournament, and delivered six accurate crosses.

Crucially, backing Baena’s point on his defensive evolution, the winger has won eight tackles and made two interceptions to help out his team off the ball.

A high-stakes battle

As Spain get set to face France on Tuesday in the semi-final, the forward entering the pitch with supreme confidence is vital, especially after he publicly fired warnings claiming Les Bleues should fear La Roja rather than vice versa.

Facing off against Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele & co., Yamal will need to be at his best for the 2010 World Champions.