Spain full-back Marcos Llorente said a connection is slowly building between him and Lamine Yamal ahead of his team’s World Cup last-32 meeting with Austria on Thursday.
The pair are rivals domestically in LaLiga, with Llorente’s Atletico Madrid having finished fourth, 25 points behind a Yamal-inspired Barca last season, as Hansi Flick’s side retained the title.
Their partnership with the national team has been keenly analysed, with the 31-year-old Atletico man seen as a key provider for his teenage team-mate on Spain’s right.
It is felt back home the connection is yet to fully bear fruit, but Llorente stressed they come from different playing styles at their respective clubs and insisted the 18-year-old was capable of operating without his assistance.
“Atletico Madrid is nothing like the national team,” he said. “They’re two different playing styles. At Atletico, I don’t have Lamine ahead of me and, with the national team, I don’t have Giuliano (Simeone). It’s different and little by little Lamine and I are getting to know each other.
“He doesn’t need much help either. In fact, it’s almost better to give it to him and stay back, because if you move closer, you’re bringing another player who can defend him. We’re searching for what’s best for him, because he’s the player who makes the difference.”
Spain have been yet to convince fully so far at the tournament in North America.
They opened with a hugely disappointing goalless draw against debutants and surprise package Cape Verde before swatting aside a poor Saudi Arabia side 4-0.
A 1-0 win over Uruguay, who exited the tournament, ensured they progressed top of their group to book a place in the first knockout round against Ralf Rangnick’s team, but there is much convincing to do in order to live up to their pre-tournament billing as favourites.
Llorente, who played 49 times last season for Atletico as they reached the Champions League semi-finals, has started two of Spain’s three matches so far at the World Cup and feels ready to help his country go deep in the tournament.
He also reflected on the atmosphere around the camp that has been created in North America.
“I’m not having any problem maintaining my habits. I do the same as at home, but in a hotel. I wake up at 6.30am and go out to check on the team,” he said. “Food isn’t a problem because the federation prepares whatever we each want. We have dinner during the day. So it’s perfect.
“We have to take it one step at a time. It would be a mistake to think about who might advance. The important thing is Austria and once the match is over we’ll think about the next challenge.”
