Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente cautioned against making comparisons between Lamine Yamal and iconic figures like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. He also refrained from confirming whether the Barcelona sensation would make his World Cup starting debut on Sunday.
The Spanish team is set to face Saudi Arabia in Atlanta during their second Group H match, following a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, where Yamal made a brief appearance as a substitute.
Despite facing numerous inquiries about Yamal’s development, De la Fuente expressed that the intense focus on the young Barcelona winger was not detrimental to the team’s morale.
“It’s a mistake to draw comparisons [with Yamal],” said De la Fuente during a news conference on Saturday, responding to questions about the player’s significance to the national team in light of Messi and Maradona’s history with Argentina. “He’s only 18 and still developing… We must allow him to carve out his own path.”
He continued, “Players like him, who possess unique talents, are prepared for this stage. They are geniuses, akin to Salvador Dali or Michelangelo. What we find exceptional is often normal for them.”
Yamal entered the game against Cape Verde in the 71st minute, during a challenging match for Spain to penetrate the opposition’s defense, while he continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained in April.
This week, the young player acknowledged that he was not yet ready for a full 90-minute match, and De la Fuente declined to reveal his starting status for the upcoming game against Saudi Arabia.
“We’ll assess that,” De la Fuente stated. “The good news is that he’s present and in a positive state. Whether he plays 55, 58, or 63 minutes will depend on the flow of the game. We’ll consider what’s best for him and the team… You’ll find out tomorrow.”
The coach emphasized that the attention on Yamal could lead to issues within the squad.
“We maintain a healthy environment,” he reassured. “Every player’s importance is recognized. Lamine’s role is well understood by his teammates.”
De la Fuente reported that there was “no sense of panic” within the team, despite criticism from the Spanish media over their earlier draw against the underdog Cape Verde team.
“The team is motivated and feels the sting of criticism,” he explained. “The players are aware of the discussions, they’re frustrated, and undoubtedly, tomorrow’s match will be different.”