Gvardiol Hails Lamine Yamal After Barcelona Star Tears Croatia Apart

Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol says Lamine Yamal is almost impossible to stop, even on a bad day, after Spain beat Croatia 4-1 in the Nations League in Seville.

Yamal scored twice and set up another goal, leaving the Croatian back line with few answers. Gvardiol, who plays for Manchester City, said the Barcelona winger has to be doubled up on at all times. 

"We know what Yamal is like. When he's given 1-on-1 space, he'll take advantage of it. He should always be doubled, sometimes we've succeeded, sometimes we haven't. If he has the worst day, he'll get through at least 10 times," he said.

Spain, the world champions, were too strong for Slaven Bilic's side, who struggled after conceding early. Gvardiol felt Croatia were too nervous. 

"It was a tough game, a tough defeat in the end. We have to congratulate them, they are world champions for a reason. We knew what was coming, playing away against a team like this is of course not easy, but I also think we showed too much respect. We conceded an early goal, that shook us up, it's not easy to come back. So, in the end, a tough defeat," he said.

Striker Dion Drena Beljo, who got Croatia's only goal, felt the same way. He was unhappy with how easily Spain got through in the final third. 

"We played against the world champions, we knew what to expect. They are a really top team, but it leaves a bitter taste, because I think we could have done better, especially in the defensive phase. They were coming at us easily in the last third," he said.

There is little time to recover, as England visit in a few days. Croatia will play that game without fans, which Gvardiol admits will make it harder. 

"Tough schedule, England in a few days. Unfortunately without the public, it will be harder, but we are playing at home and we will try to get as many points as possible," he said.