Robert Lewandowski says injured Lamine Yamal still proved decisive in Spain’s World Cup triumph

• Robert Lewandowski believes Lamine Yamal was not at his physical best during the World Cup but still played a decisive role in Spain’s title-winning campaign.
• The former Barcelona striker said Spain’s players and Yamal complemented each other throughout the tournament.
• Lewandowski also explained why he supported Spain in the final before discussing his move to Major League Soccer with Chicago Fire FC.

Robert Lewandowski believes Lamine Yamal has yet to reach the level he showed before his recent injury, but says the teenager still made a major contribution to Spain’s FIFA World Cup triumph.

Yamal entered the tournament after recovering from a hamstring injury that had sidelined him during the closing stages of Barcelona’s LaLiga-winning campaign. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente carefully managed the 19-year-old’s workload during the group stage before increasing his involvement as the knockout rounds progressed.

Although Yamal scored only once during the tournament, he completed a competition-leading 35 successful dribbles and remained one of Spain’s most dangerous attacking outlets as they defeated Portugal, France and Argentina to lift the World Cup.

Lewandowski, who spent three seasons alongside Yamal at Barcelona, believes the winger’s performances were particularly impressive given the lack of match fitness he carried into the tournament.

“Honestly, no, we didn’t see his best,” Lewandowski told ESPN.

“For me, his best version was two seasons ago.”

“He came to the World Cup after an injury and hadn’t played for around eight weeks. When you return straight into a tournament like that, you don’t have time to build rhythm because you go from one match to the next.”

Despite those challenges, Lewandowski said Yamal still demonstrated the qualities that have made him one of the brightest young players in world football.

“He showed great quality,” Lewandowski said.

“The Spain players helped Lamine and Lamine helped the whole team. That cooperation was perfect.”

Lewandowski shared the dressing room with several members of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad during his time at Barcelona, including Yamal, Gavi, Pedri, Pau Cubarsí and Ferran Torres.

With Poland failing to qualify for the tournament, the veteran striker admitted his connections at club level left him supporting Spain in the final against Argentina.

“I know a lot of the Spain players because we spent so much time together at Barcelona,” Lewandowski said.

“I supported them because I knew how hard they had worked and I believed they were ready to win the World Cup.”

“They are still a very young team and the future is in front of them.”

Away from international football, Lewandowski is preparing for the next chapter of his career after completing a move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire FC following the end of his Barcelona contract.

The Poland captain said he never considered joining another European club after leaving Spain.

“Once I decided to leave Barcelona, I didn’t want to stay in Europe,” Lewandowski said.

“I couldn’t imagine playing for another European club after Barcelona, so I only looked at opportunities outside Europe.”

After visiting Chicago and meeting head coach Gregg Berhalter, Lewandowski said the decision quickly became clear.

“The city is amazing and the people have been very welcoming,” he said.

“My teammates have helped me a lot because the first few days involve organising everything while also staying focused on football.”

Lewandowski is now preparing for his Major League Soccer debut after his first scheduled appearance was postponed because of poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke.

“I’m ready to help my teammates, help the club move forward and compete for trophies,” he said.