Luis de la Fuente heaps praise on Lamine Yamal after Spain 3-1 Czechia – “He never ceases to amaze us” | OneFootball

Spain continued their incredible form by securing yet another victory in the UEFA Nations League, this time against Czechia. It was a comfortable 3-1 win for the world champions at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere.

The match saw Lamine Yamal open the scoring early with a sixth-minute goal, which was followed by his teammate Rodri’s strike in the 29th minute, giving Spain a solid 2-0 cushion.

Czechia hit back in the second half, but a late Mikel Merino goal ensured it was merely a consolation.

What de la Fuente said about Yamal

Yamal has been on fire this season. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

After the game, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente took the moment to heap praise on the Barcelona forward, who has been in sensational form for club and country alike.

“He never ceases to amaze us all. He has so much talent and quality that we haven’t seen the best of Lamine yet. He’s growing by leaps and bounds, and we’re thrilled about it. We’re very happy with him,” he said (h/t Cadena SER).

The coach once again backed the teenager for the Ballon d’Or, with Yamal emerging as the biggest contender alongside Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and his teammate Rodri.

“If he were the only Spanish player nominated for the Ballon d’Or, I’d say yes, he is the best,” he added.

The praise is well deserved, with Lamine having scored four goals and provided an assist across Spain’s last three matches.

The 19-year-old continues to shine on the international stage, mirroring his brilliant form at Barcelona, where he leads La Liga in chances created.

What’s next for Yamal?

Will Yamal win the Ballon d’Or later this month? (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Yamal has been on fire for both club and country this season. But with the international break almost over, his priority now will be to avoid any unfortunate injury.

Spain have one more game to play on October 6 against Croatia, who struggled to perform against England recently, with Barcelona star Anthony Gordon notably impressing during a 7-0 demolition.

Keeping Croatia’s weakness in mind, one would expect Yamal to start on the bench instead. If he starts, he may only feature for the first half, before being subbed off, as was the case against Czechia.