Lamine Yamal has responded to Rafael van der Vaart’s “pants down” remark after playing a key role in Spain’s UEFA Nations League quarterfinal win over the Netherlands on Sunday.

The 17-year-old winger scored Spain’s third goal in an exciting 3-3 draw at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium. Spain eventually secured victory on penalties, earning a place in the semifinals against France in June.

Although Yamal missed his spot-kick in the shootout, he later took to social media to reply to Van der Vaart. The former Dutch international had earlier criticized Yamal’s attitude and the way he wore his shorts low before the match.

"Shorts down, a goal, a missed penalty and INTO THE SEMIFINAL, COME ON SPAIN!" the Barcelona winger wrote on Instagram.Yamal's post included a series of photos, one featuring Van der Vaart's face alongside an image of him walking off the pitch after the win with his shorts pulled lower than normal.

"I see things that are starting to bother me a little," Van der Vaart said about Yamal after the first leg, a 2-2 in Rotterdam last Thursday.

"Pants a little lower, not making much of an effort, slightly superficial gestures.

"That's when I think: if you're that young, you should be happy with every minute you play for Spain. No matter how good you are, at that age, you have to prove it every minute and in every game."

Despite his age, Yamal has never shied away from responding to criticism from senior or retired players.He told Adrien Rabiot to "speak now" and "checkmate" after knocking France out of the European Championship last summer following comments made by the midfielder pre-match.

Yamal had a tense moment during the penalty shootout against the Netherlands when Bart Verbruggen saved his attempt.

Fortunately for Spain, Unai Simón blocked Donyell Malen’s penalty, and Pedri sealed the victory by scoring the decisive spot kick, sending Spain into the semifinals.

"I said to him 'What a s--t penalty," Barça midfielder Pedri joked of his message to Yamal after his miss.

"But no, you learn from these situations. He is not affected by pressure and you have to take a penalty to miss one.

"His calmness has always surprised us. It's as if pressure doesn't exist for him when you see the ease with which he dribbles and how he plays. He's someone we have to take care of and, above all, enjoy."