Spain's Lamine Yamal bidding to create history against Georgia

Lamine Yamal would become Spain's youngest-ever player if he features in the national team's third Euro 2024 qualification match against Georgia on Friday night.

The attacker will be 16 years and 57 days old when Spain face Georgia, and he would create history if he takes to the field during the Group A contest.

If Yamal does not play against Georgia, he will have another chance to secure the record, with Spain also facing Cyprus next week in a qualifier for next summer's European Championship.

As it stands, the record is held by his club teammate Gavi, who debuted in 2021 at the age of 17 years and 62 days old.

The youngster has been in impressive form for Barcelona early in the season, providing two assists in four appearances, with his standout performance coming against Villarreal on August 27.

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Yamal has played for Spain Under-15s, Spain Under-16s, Spain Under-17s and Spain Under-19s, but he also qualified for Morocco and Equatorial Guinea through his parents.

"Lamine knew he wanted to come with us, he has shown that with the youth teams previously," Spain coach Luis de la Fuente told reporters on Friday when asked about the attacker's international future.

"He is an exceptional player, blessed with magic. He's different. I never look at the age of a player, I look at their ability and the level they are playing at and I think he is ready to come with us."

Yamal became Barcelona's youngest-ever player when he featured for the first team at the age of 15 in April, and he is now seen as an important player for the Catalan outfit.

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At the end of last month, Barcelona boss Xavi said that the club have "big expectations" for the attacker.

"Of course I am surprised by what he does at his age, he's only just 16, " said the head coach. "Everyone is, I am not an exception. He nearly always makes the best decision, which is what makes the difference in football.

"We have big expectations, even more so when you see what you see [on the pitch]. He is not starting games on a whim. He starts because we feel he can effect matches.

"Like I said, he nearly always makes the right decision, which is important, picking the best option. Two assists today, he's intelligent, mature. He's extraordinary."

Spain suffered a 2-0 loss to Scotland in their last Euro 2024 qualifier, which has left them fourth in Group A on three points, nine points behind leaders Scotland, who have played two games more.