Victor Munoz says competing with Lamine Yamal for a place in Luis De la Fuente’s Spain team is “a privilege” and an opportunity to learn from the Barcelona forward.
Munoz and Yamal were both included in Spain’s World Cup-winning squad during the summer, although Munoz was unable to play after suffering an injury as La Roja lifted the trophy for the second time in their history.
Yamal also found it difficult to make the impact he had hoped for at the tournament, but the teenager has played a key role in Spain’s strong start to their Nations League campaign during the current international break.
The 23-year-old has scored three goals and created another in victories over England and Croatia. Munoz also appeared in the win against Croatia as the pair continued their battle for the same position in De la Fuente’s line-up.
Yamal is among the leading contenders to win the Ballon d’Or this month, and Munoz says working alongside him in training has been particularly valuable.
“I try to learn a lot from him; he’s a good friend of mine and we spend a lot of time together,” said Munoz.
“It’s a privilege for me and he helps me a lot in my day-to-day life.”
Munoz, who completed a reported £35m (€40m) move to Liverpool in the summer, has scored once in six appearances for his club. Three of those outings have been starts.
His only Liverpool goal so far came in a Premier League draw against Nottingham Forest. Andoni Iraola’s side remain unbeaten in all competitions in 2026-27, with four wins and three draws.
Munoz said his early experience in England had highlighted a clear contrast with Spanish football.
“I do notice a difference between LaLiga and the Premier League,” he added.
“LaLiga is more tactical, the Premier League is more physical. The intensity of the training sessions there is very high and it’s helping me grow.”
The winger also explained what De la Fuente expects from him when he is selected for Spain, with the manager encouraging him to play to his own strengths rather than attempt to imitate Yamal.
“[De la Fuente tells me to] just be myself. Try to help the team in attack and defence, try to be direct and try one-on-one. Those are what I think are my strengths.”