Euro 2024: Albania Defender Makes ‘Scary’ Statement About Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams

• Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have been labelled as 'scary' by Albania defender Ivan Balliu
• The pair have been Spain's brightest spots in the ongoing 2024 UEFA European Championship
• Having played the opening two games, they could be rested in La Roja's final group tie vs Albania

Albania defender, Ivan Balliu, has described Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams as 'scary' threats ahead of his team's crucial group game against Spain on Monday, June 24.

Balliu, who plays for Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, pinpointed Yamal and Williams as the key danger men for La Roja.

Despite strong performances, Albania has struggled to convert their efforts into victories in the ongoing European Championship.

In their Group B opener, the Red and Blacks took the lead against Italy but ultimately suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat, per Sky Sports.

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A similar pattern emerged against Croatia, where they scored early but conceded two quick goals. However, they salvaged a point with a late equaliser.

Sylvinho's side still has a slim chance of advancing from what many consider the 'Group of Death' but will face a tough challenge against Spain.

The three-time champions have arguably been the standout team of the tournament, thanks in large part to the performances of wingers Yamal and Williams.

The duo has dazzled defenders with their pace, trickery, and decisive play.

Although Spain has already secured a spot in the next round, coach Luis de la Fuente is likely to field his star wingers against Albania to maintain their winning momentum.

Yamal, Williams labelled 'scary' by Albania star

Balliu, familiar with the pair's capabilities, expressed concern about their threat to Albania's chances, highlighting the difficulty his team faces in containing them.

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"Nico [Williams] and Lamine Yamal are scary," the 32-year-old defender told Mundo Deportivo, as cited by Tribuna.

"They are two 'shameless' people, two scoundrels. They just don't stop coming at you. It may not work out once, twice, or three times, but they keep you tense because you know they are not going to stop.

The right-back expressed that his Albanian teammates were surprised by the exceptional quality of the wing pair.

"My teammates were amazed after watching them against Italy. They kept asking about them. Especially about Nico. I knew Lamine Yamal better, but I told them: 'Watch out for this guy, he's got a very high level.'"

How Lamine Yamal could land Spain in trouble

Meanwhile, as Sports Brief noted, Lamine Yamal's continued involvement in the 2024 Euros has raised concerns about potential financial penalties for Spain.

Reports indicate that La Roja could be fined up to €30,000 for permitting the teenager to participate in evening activities deemed as 'work'.