Van der Vaart warns Yamal: Don’t think you’re a god

Former Dutch star Rafael van der Vaart commented on Barcelona star Lamine Yamal’s comments following the Netherlands’ elimination from the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals at the hands of Spain.

Spain qualified for the semifinals after eliminating the Netherlands on penalties.

Van der Vaart sharply criticized Yamal after the first leg in Rotterdam, which ended in a 2-2 draw. He said, “It seems that Yamal isn’t ready to face Jorel Hato. These are some of the things I’m noticing.”

He added, “I’m seeing things that are starting to bother me a little. His pants are a little low, he’s not trying hard, and his movements are a little shallow.”

He continued, “Then I thought, if you’re young, you have to be happy with every minute you play for Spain.”

He emphasized, “No matter how good you are at that age, you have to prove your worth every minute and every game, but that doesn’t change the fact that Hato was completely controlling him.”

Yamal responded to Van der Vaart on his Instagram account, writing: “Drop your pants, one goal, one missed penalty, and in the semi-finals. Come on, Spain!”

Van der Vaart responded again to Yamal, saying: “I would advise Lamine Yamal not to worry too much about what an overweight, 42-year-old former footballer says.”

He added: “At 17, with all this praise, you think the world revolves around you. It’s happened to all of us, but it’s not. Football is fun, but it’s not important. If you think you’re a god, you become unpleasant.”