Spain’s Luis de la Fuente: ‘Lamine Yamal has the potential to be the best in the world, but what about…’ | OneFootball

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has explained his thinking on the prospects of Isco, Aymeric Laporte and Inigo Martinez making it back into the squad for La Roja. He also expressed no concern over the attention that Lamine Yamal is attracting, backing him to handle it.

Certain sections of the media have criticised Lamine Yamal for perceived arrogance and getting distracted this summer by his celebrity. Something that was of no worry for de la Fuente.

“One thing is what he conveys externally and another is what he has internally. He’s a kid who works in the gym, with the physio, with the nutritionist, psychological care… He started with us at 16 and has shown impressive maturity. He handles the pressure naturally and with admirable control. When I speak to him privately… of course he’s just a kid, but I’m scared by the thoughts he has. I’m glad he’s like this. We talk, I like being very close to him and that the player is calm and knows there’s open communication,” he told Cadena SER during an in-depth interview.

Meanwhile others believe he should be the Ballon d’Or. De la Fuente commented that there were a plethora of choices from Spain.

Image via RFEF

“Lamine Yamal has the potential to be the best in the world, but what about Mikel Merino, Fabian, Dani Olmo, or Pedri? They’re the best players in their positions. I would give the Ballon d’Or to a Spaniard; I’d be happy if it was Fabian or Lamine Yamal.”

‘This team has no ceiling’ – de la Fuente

De la Fuente came to the Spain job by taking first the under-17, under-19 and then under-21 sides before being given the job.

“I met many of them as kids, and today they’re world stars, the best in the world in their positions. I struggle to find words for the admiration I have for this group.”

The Basque manager was critical of his side after their win over Bulgaria, and following their demolition of Turkiye, remarked that there was still room for improvement. However their talent meant that ceiling was sky-high in his view.

“This is the best moment the national team has been in since we’ve been here, but it’s not the ceiling we can reach. I don’t see any ceiling for this team. There’s room for improvement, for continued growth, first and foremost because of the quality of the players and their attitude. They’re insatiable; they want to win more and more. They accept the message of ‘we have to do better tomorrow’ very well. This group is tireless. This is a living entity; people come in, incorporate new things… and this updating makes me think there’s room for improvement.”

Image via RFEF

De la Fuente on Isco, Aymeric Laporte and Inigo Martinez call-ups

Meanwhile after missing out on a move to Athletic Club, it looked as if Aymeric Laporte’s chances of returning to the Spain squad had taken a major dent. Laporte now appears to be nearing a deal with Besiktas.

“I’ve spoken with Aymeric Laporte these days, and what I want is for him to be competing because he’s an asset to the national team. He was doing very well in Saudi Arabia. He was the best center-back at the European Championship. I want to see him happy, but now he’s not. In his position, he’s one of the best in the world.”

He sounded less optimistic about Inigo Martinez doing so, who has just joined Laporte’s side, Al-Nassr, in Saudi Arabia – he did also note that there was nothing stopping Dean Huijsen from being partnered by Pau Cubarsi either.

“Decisions have to be made. There were others who were going to do better, but not because they were better, but because I was banking on other types of players. No one told me they didn’t want to come to the national team. I’ve also spoken with Isco, and I’m looking forward to his return. He had fantastic behavior and performance in the Nations League. The more good players who can be selected, the better. It’s the best news.”

De la Feunte explains Joan Garcia absence

Many expected Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia to make the call-up this past week, after a strong season with Espanyol.

“We have to be respectful and value what the other three have done. Unai Simon has broken Athletic Club goalkeeper Jose Angel Iribar’s record with the national team and has an exceptional career, with titles under his belt. I’m also very confident about David Raya and Alex Remiro.”

“No one’s talking about Robert Sanchez either. Isn’t it unfair that Robert Sanchez isn’t there? I don’t feel any pressure on Joan García. Joan knows me; he’s played with me in the youth teams. He knows how we work. In this scenario we’re contemplating, we believe there are goalkeepers who won’t play much. Another outfield player has a better chance of playing in other positions, but the goalkeeper’s commitment is a psychological and security aspect. Joan Garcia’s doors are open to us whenever we think his time has come. I don’t know if it will be in October, November, or March.”