As it was meant to be: Yamal's new Spanish No.10

From legends like Raul, the late Jose Antonio Reyes, or Cesc Fabregas and magicians in midfield such as Santi Cazorla, Juan Mata, and Thiago Alcantara to young superstars Nico Williams and Dani Olmo, some incredible players have worn #10 on their Spanish national team jerseys, just below their last names.

Now, his time has come - Lamine Yamal is the new Spain's No.10! Temporarily, though, thanks to Dani Olmo's injury, but there is no doubt that the 17-year-old will become the permanent bearer of the sacred number both at Barcelona and La Furia sooner or later and that tonight's UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark (21.45) will be only the first in a series of matches in which Yamal and #10 will be united.

Thus, the youngster has taken another burden on his back - to be the leader on the pitch, even though he's already been one of the crucial players in Spain's EURO 2024 campaign, which ended triumphantly. All eyes will be on Yamal for one more reason - the number of injured players.

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Namely, the aforementioned Olmo - whose absence enabled Yamal to wear #10 - is not the only player missing from De la Fuente's team, as the experienced gaffer undoubtedly had headaches looking at the list of those unable to help. Rodri and Dani Carvajal's ACL tears are already well-known, while three more regular starters won't be at the manager's disposal - Robin Le Normand, Nico Williams, and the custodian Unai Simon.

Hence, Yamal will be the one expected to deliver tonight on the National Day of Spain (October 12), and no one will think of his age in case he doesn't, that's for sure. After all, he'll wear the most powerful number in football, and with great power comes great responsibility.

UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE A

Thursday

Israel - France 1-4 (1-2)

/Gandelman 24 - Camavinga 6, Nkunku 28, Guendouzi 87, Barcola 89/

Italy - Belgium 2-2 (2-1)

/Cambiaso 1, Retegui 24 - De Cuyper 42, Trossard 61/

Friday

Hungary - Netherlands 1-1 (1-0)

/Salai 32 - Dumfries 83/

B&H - Germany 1-2 (0-2)

/Dzeko 70 - Undav 30,36/

Saturday

19:00: (1.63) Croatia (3.80) Scotland (5.70)

21:45: (5.50) Poland (3.90) Portugal (1.63)

21:45: (2.65) Serbia (3.25) Switzerland (2.95)

21:45: (1.40) Spain (4.60) Denmark (8.00)

Monday

21:45: (1.65) Germany (3.80) Netherlands (5.40)

21:45: (3.00) Belgium (3.40) France (2.35)

Tuesday

21:45: (5.20) Scotland (3.80) Portugal (1.75)

21:45: (1.30) Spain (5.80) Serbia (12.0)

UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE B

Thursday

England - Greece 1-2 (0-0)

/Bellingham 87 - Pavlidis 49, 90+4/

Finland - R. Ireland 1-2 (1-0)

/Pohjanpalo 17 - Scales 57, Brady 88/

Austria - Kazakhstan 4-0 (1-0)

/Baumgartner 10, Lienhart 53, Sabitzer 56, Seidi 79/

Norway - Slovenia 3-0 (1-0)

/Haaland 7, 62, Sorloth 52/

Friday

Iceland - Wales 2-2 (0-2)

/Tomasson 69, Ward 72 og - Johnson 11, Wilson 29/

Ukraine - Georgia 1-0 (1-0)

/Mudryk 35/

Turkey - Montenegro 1-0 (0-0)

/Kahveci 69/

Czech Republic - Albania 2-0 (1-0)

/Chory 3, 63/

Sunday

16:00: (5.30) Kazakhstan (3.60) Slovenia (1.70)

19:00: (9.50) Finland (4.90) England (1.35)

21:45: (1.90) Greece (3.35) R.Ireland (4.40)

21:45: (2.20) Austria (3.45) Norway (3.25)

Monday

21:45: (2.25) Ukraine (3.40) Czech R. (3.20)

***odds are subject to change***