De la Fuente’s decision to include Lamine Yamal in the squad stems from his belief that international fixtures require top-level players, regardless of their age or recent workload

. Yamal, who has been a revelation for Barcelona, has caught the eye not just with his club performances but also on the international stage. For a player who is still only 16, this level of responsibility and exposure can be overwhelming, but de la Fuente is clearly confident in Yamal’s ability to handle the pressure.

The coach also defended his stance on resting players, referencing a FIFA study that shows national team duties only account for a small percentage of a player’s total minutes. According to de la Fuente, injuries are not primarily caused by international games, but more so from the longer, grueling club seasons. This perspective gives insight into why he feels justified in calling up players like Yamal, even when there are concerns about fatigue and injury.

For Yamal, the season has been a whirlwind. He has featured heavily for Barcelona, even being rested briefly during matches, such as the one against Osasuna. Yet, the young talent has shown no signs of slowing down. His inclusion in the Spain squad demonstrates the high regard in which he is held by both his club and national team coaches.

Despite the physical demands, de la Fuente seems determined to keep Yamal at the heart of his plans, ensuring that Spain has the best possible squad available for their international fixtures.

Looking ahead, Yamal’s participation in both club and country duties will continue to be closely monitored. The conversation around player management, particularly for younger talents, is likely to intensify as the season progresses. However, for now, de la Fuente is clear: Yamal is one of Spain’s most valuable assets, and his contributions on the pitch are needed to help the team succeed.