Alvaro Morata, the Spain international striker, said Lamine Yamal is the best player in the game, telling Cadena COPE's El Partidazo de COPE that the Barcelona winger was already dominating in Europe at the age of 16 and that what he has seen with his own eyes is extraordinary.
Morata made the comments in an interview with presenter Juanma Castaño, in which he also discussed his new loan move to CD Leganés and reflected on his career at Real Madrid, Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
Move to Leganés
Morata joined Leganés on loan from the Italian club Como. He said he had been looking for stability after 19 house moves and spells at numerous elite clubs during his career, and that he was now highly motivated and happy, and wanted to enjoy himself and help his club.
He revealed he had held talks with several teams before committing to the Madrid-based side, and said a top-level coach he had previously worked with, now at a leading club, phoned him on the day he signed to try to change his mind. He said he had turned the approach down because he wanted to be at Leganés.
Life at Butarque
Describing his daily routine at Leganés's Butarque stadium, Morata highlighted the club's family atmosphere and said he had adapted quickly to life in the second division. He shares a room on away trips with teammate Montero and travels on regular commercial flights with the rest of the squad, saying he takes the experience as it comes and adapts to everything without complaint.
Club president Eduardo Cosín, who also appeared on the programme, said the signing carried extra weight given the recent change of ownership at the club. He said Morata had given his word and kept it, adding that this said a lot about him. Cosín confirmed the loan deal with Como includes an option to buy at the end of the season.
Ballon d'Or and Lamine Yamal
Asked about his preferences for the Ballon d'Or, Morata backed Spanish talent, naming Rodri and Lamine Yamal among the leading candidates, and also mentioned Georgian forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and France striker Kylian Mbappe among the standout players. The Ballon d'Or is awarded annually to the player judged the best in world football over the previous season.
The Spain captain praised the young Barcelona winger's maturity and work ethic, saying he is far more intelligent and hardworking than many people think, and pointing to how he studies and prepares for matches. Morata recalled the impression Yamal made on him from early in his career, repeating that the teenager was already dominating in Europe at 16 and that what he witnessed firsthand was extraordinary.
Euro 2024 glory and the World Cup final
Morata described Spain's UEFA Euro 2024 triumph as the happiest moment of his professional career. Spain beat England in the final of that tournament, held in Germany. He also said he watched the recent World Cup final from the stands, saying he felt a particular connection with the performance of Spain forward Ferran Torres, who he said had to fight against the tide, going from almost praying that a goal of his would not be disallowed to reaching the sky. Morata said he experienced the moment as though he had scored the goal himself.
Coaches, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid
Assessing the most influential coaches of his career, Morata singled out Luis Enrique for the support he gave him amid criticism, saying there was a point when things became unbearable and Luis Enrique stood by him, calling him perhaps the most important coach he has had. He said he went through more difficult spells under Antonio Conte because of the physical demands placed on him in a World Cup year.
On his departure from Real Madrid, Morata said his move to Juventus was driven by his need to be a guaranteed starter in decisive matches, saying he had a good season at the Bernabeu but watched every important game from the bench. Real Madrid is one of the most decorated clubs in world football, and Juventus is Italy's most successful league club.
Morata also reaffirmed his lifelong affinity with Atletico Madrid, saying he has felt an attachment to the club since childhood, and said the only regret of his career was never playing for Bayern Munich, the German giants he came close to but never joined.
