Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammate, Portugal MVP Nuno Mendes units file straight: ‘I cancelled out Lamine Yamal’

Nuno Mendes emerged because the Most Priceless Participant of the UEFA Nations League last, serving to Portugal defeat Spain and safe one other trophy within the Cristiano Ronaldo period. After the sport, the standout left again made a daring assertion, saying he “cancelled out Lamine Yamal.”

Yamal has been one of many breakout stars of the season and is already being mentioned as a possible Ballon d’Or candidate, alongside names like Ousmane Dembele. However in opposition to Mendes, the 17-year-old struggled to make any significant impression. Subbed off in further time with no aim or help, Yamal was neutralized for a lot of the match. In his post-game press convention, Mendes didn’t shrink back from assessing the one-on-one battle:

“It was a conflict like many others this season. I’ve confronted nice technical and expert gamers that may make the distinction at any second. Immediately, I managed to cancel out Lamine. I didn’t let him do what he does greatest. I believe that helped the group quite a bit. I’m completely happy I contributed, and even happier that Portugal gained this trophy.”

Mendes’ lockdown efficiency on Yamal solely strengthened his case as top-of-the-line left backs on this planet proper now. In La Liga, Yamal accomplished 239 profitable dribbles in 35 matches—a median of 6.8 per recreation. In opposition to Mendes, he managed simply two dribble makes an attempt, finishing just one. That stat line underscored simply how successfully Mendes took him out of the sport.

On the opposite finish of the sphere, Mendes was simply as impactful. He scored Portugal’s opening aim and delivered the cross that led to Cristiano Ronaldo’s equalizer. He additionally led the match in accomplished dribbles (4 of 5) and gained probably the most duels (7 of 10), making him a totally deserving MVP.

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At simply 22 years previous, Mendes has already shut down Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka within the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain—the place he lifted the trophy this 12 months. Now, after a dominant exhibiting in opposition to certainly one of soccer’s most enjoyable younger attackers, Mendes is constructing a case for a really unforgettable season.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s affect on Nuno Mendes

Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal on August 20, 2003. Greater than 20 years later, he’s nonetheless making an impression—not simply on the pitch, but in addition as a mentor to his teammates. When requested concerning the presence of Ronaldo within the squad, Mendes didn’t hesitate to reward the veteran’s management.

“We’re very completely happy for him—one other title, and he totally earned it. He helps us quite a bit on and off the pitch. He offers recommendation to me and the opposite teammates,” Mendes mentioned, highlighting how Ronaldo has embraced a brand new part of his profession as a guiding determine for the following era.

With Roberto Martínez taking up as head coach in 2023, Ronaldo has maintained his spot within the nationwide group—even at age 40—and his affect is deeply felt by youthful gamers. “We have to have him within the group. He’s very skilled, has a fantastic angle, and a successful mentality. He’s nonetheless excellent. He’s a task mannequin for the younger gamers within the nationwide group, and that helps us develop,” Mendes concluded.