Mbappe tells Yamal critics: 'Leave him alone'

"Lamine, 18 -- who last month won the Kopa Trophy for the world's best under-21 player for the second consecutive year -- has faced recent scrutiny on his private life. There's also been a row between Barça and the national team over his fitness, after the wide forward was initially named in the Spain squad for this international break, before being withdrawn by his club, after coach Hansi Flick earlier criticised Spain's handling of his condition."

"after coach Hansi Flick earlier criticised Spain's handling of his condition. "You can see [Lamine] has passion for football and that's the only thing he mustn't lose," Mbappé told Jorge Valdano in an interview which will be broadcast in full on Movistar on Sunday. "The rest is just his life. People talk about his personal life, but I think people should leave him alone.""

Kylian Mbappé defended 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, asking critics to 'leave him alone' and calling him a great talent. Yamal won the Kopa Trophy last month for the world's best under-21 player for a second consecutive year and has faced scrutiny over his private life. Barcelona and Spain clashed over his fitness after Barça withdrew him from the national squad following initial selection amid criticism from coach Hansi Flick. Yamal has two goals and three assists in LaLiga this season and is in his third campaign as a first-team regular, having debuted in LaLiga at 15. Mbappé noted that 18-year-olds make mistakes and urged focus on Yamal's football.

Read at ESPN.com