Spain manager praises Barcelona gem’s maturity ahead of Nations League final – ‘Handles it with ease’ | OneFootball

Spain will take to the field tomorrow night in the final of the UEFA Nations League against Cristiano Ronaldo. The game, for many understandable reasons, is being branded as a game between the Portuguese legend and Lamine Yamal.

La Roja enter the game as favourites, especially given their talent pool and great run of form. As the defending European champions, moreover, they have a real sense of confidence in them.

Concurrently, however, one cannot rule out Portugal who have world-class individuals across the field capable of making a difference.

Spain NT coach speaks

Ahead of Spain’s UEFA Nations League clash against Portugal, Luis de la Fuente spoke in depth to the media about his team’s chances, the game he anticipated ahead and some specific players who are in the headlines.

Lamine Yamal, unsurprisingly, was among the players who interested the media the most especially after he walked the talk against France in the semifinal.

Speaking about how the Barcelona youngster was already in his second final with the Spanish national team at just 17 years of age, the coach said,

“You’ll be surprised at the calm he transmits. He’s one of the special people. For others, it might be a moment of extreme stress. But he handles it with ease.”

“That’s what makes him different. And his teammates, who are also great, help him,” he added.

Speaking on how Yamal is naturally gifted and has been mature beyond his years for a long time now, De la Fuente said:

“We have been accompanying Lamine in his development for a long time. He is a very young man, but he has a maturity that befits his age.”

“He handles everything naturally. He will go through difficult times, and we will be by his side through them,” he added.

Lamine will hold the key for Spain against Portugal. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The coach then went on to give his two cents on the game he anticipated against Portugal in the final where Yamal can win his second major trophy for Spain after Euro 2024.

“It’s the toughest because it’s next and also because they’re a very tough opponent. They have great talent and variety.”

“There’s a similarity in the footballing idea with Cruyff and in the quality of the players they choose. We’ll try to surprise them and not let them dominate us,” he added.

The manager then went on to speak about the midfield situation where Pedri Gonzalez is one of the team’s most vital players. After all, they almost blew a four-goal lead after he was taken off in the previous game.

“It’s easy to plan with Fabian. Also, Mikel Merino, who can play in an advanced position. Pedri has a special talent, whether as a number 8 or a number 10.”

“I like him to be close to the penalty area. That’s where goals are scored and assists too. He benefits us most when he’s close to the penalty area,” he added on Pedri.

“He has assists, completes attacks, and has improved his shooting a lot. We have a lot of players, and we’ll have to leave one of them out. That’s what’s called a team,” he concluded, speaking on Pedri’s complete profile.

Source: Mundo Deportivo