Luis de la Fuente Believes Lamine Yamal Is "Touched by God"
He has yet to reach adulthood and is already considered one of the most decisive players in the world. Lamine Yamal, at just 17 years old, has been capturing attention since last season, especially after his standout performance in the Euros with Spain.
Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s coach, is well aware of this, knowing he has a gem on his hands. "He’s been touched by that divine spark that makes him different. He’s a player who, at 17, doesn’t resemble others his age. They are much more mature, with a great sense of responsibility, capable of interpreting and accepting any proposal or situation you throw at them because they’re brilliant," the Spanish coach told Mundo Deportivo.
However, De la Fuente also urges caution: "I’ve seen many talented footballers lose their way. He mustn’t make the mistake of trying to progress faster than necessary, as it could hinder his development. We must manage not only how well he plays, but also the thousand other details that are truly important."
"The Nico-Lamine partnership has been a joy and excellent news for Spanish football. It has provided a boost, but not just them. Also Fermín, Gavi in his time, and other young players emerging to strengthen the squad. But of course, we have to be very attentive to them, as they have that youthful energy and sometimes lack awareness... they must understand the great responsibility they carry. They need to internalize it and engrave it deeply, because being a good professional goes far beyond playing football well. The truth is, we’re fortunate; it’s a pleasure to work with these players," he added.
De la Fuente also spoke about Pedri: "He’s one of those players who are pillars for the future. He made his debut with me when he was very young in the Under-21s, and he’s always stood out. It pains me greatly when such talented players suffer from injuries, and Pedri has been through a lot. But I believe that, in the long run, he’ll realize that all of this has helped him grow, become more professional every day, and enjoy each moment more. It will make him an even better footballer and person."