Spain manager lavishes praise on Lamine Yamal, recalls ‘pain’ after Gavi injury | OneFootball

Speaking on DAZN’s programme Revelado (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has lauded Lamine Yamal’s talent and character while reflecting on the emotional impact of Gavi’s injury on the national team.

The first international break of 2026 is underway, and Spain will be playing two friendly matches against Serbia and Egypt as preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

And, a lot of La Roja’s hopes heading into the tournament are pinned on Barcelona wonderkid Lamine, who was instrumental in the national team’s success at the UEFA Euro 2024.

De la Fuente’s praise for Lamine

Highlighting the 18-year-old sensation’s talent and quality, Spain boss De la Fuente noted:

“Lamine is an example of a well-rounded, educated, respectful young man with immense talent. You can immediately see those kinds of footballers who are touched by that magic touch that says, ‘You’re going to be special.'”

Continuing on the Barcelona academy graduate, De la Fuente went on to reveal how the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) ensured that he played for La Roja instead of the Moroccan national team.

“That is why the RFEF did everything necessary to secure his loyalty, win him over and ensure he was convinced that playing for the Spanish national team was the best option,” he said.

De la Fuente sang praises of Lamine. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, De la Fuente also addressed the on-field tensions between Yamal and Real Madrid and Spain veteran Dani Carvajal during the Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier in the season.

“In a Clasico, you’re defending your colours, and there’s a huge responsibility; with the national team, it’s a different situation, and here you have to rise to the occasion too – and they’re doing just that,” De la Fuente admitted.

“And I have no doubt that when they see each other, they’ll be eager to give each other a hug, for sure, and I’ll be celebrating with them at that moment.”

Reflecting on Gavi’s injury

De la Fuente also spoke about Lamine’s Barcelona teammate Gavi, recalling the emotional impact of his injury.

The midfield hero ruptured his ACL back in November 2023, while playing a meaningless qualifying fixture for the Spanish national team – an injury that kept him out of action for a year.

“His injury was one of the hardest moments we’ve ever experienced; it was incredibly painful for me personally, and for his teammates too,” De la Fuente claimed.

“We felt it deeply, as if someone in the family had been in an accident or suffered a loss. He is a player who is very dear to all of us,” the Spain boss added.

Gavi has barely played this season as well, having been out of action for six months due to a knee issue that required him to undergo arthroscopic surgery. Having recently made his comeback, he has not been called up by De la Fuente for Spain’s upcoming matches.