Lamine Yamal has been officially named in Spain’s squad for their upcoming matches against Georgia and Turkey, following a successful recovery from injury. Spain manager Luis De la Fuente described the 18-year-old Barcelona prodigy as an “obvious choice” for the national team, highlighting his impressive form in recent weeks.
Yamal missed last month’s World Cup qualifiers due to a pubalgia issue but made a strong comeback in Barcelona’s thrilling 3-3 Champions League draw against Club Brugge, where he scored one goal and assisted another. After the match, Yamal refuted rumors regarding his injury status, labeling them as “lies.” His return to full fitness is a significant boost for both his club and the national side.
Recent Performances and Managerial Confidence
In the wake of his return, Yamal has started in Barcelona’s last six matches, showcasing his undeniable talent on the pitch. De la Fuente praised Yamal’s readiness, stating, “Watching the Champions League game the other day, he’s in perfect shape.” He emphasized that with crucial games on the horizon, having the best players available is essential for Spain’s ambitions.
Yamal’s inclusion comes at a pivotal time, as Spain currently leads Group E with 12 points from four matches. They are set to face Georgia on November 15 before hosting Turkey in Seville on November 18. The young star’s presence could be crucial in maintaining their lead and securing qualification for the next stage of the tournament.
Balancing Youth and Experience
De la Fuente acknowledged the challenges of managing young talents like Yamal, who is still maturing physically. “It’s a natural process. He’s 18,” he noted, underscoring the importance of careful development both at the club and national team levels. The coach aims to support Yamal through this phase while ensuring he receives adequate guidance from Barcelona’s coaching staff.
The relationship between De la Fuente and Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has been under scrutiny recently, especially after Flick expressed concerns over how young players are handled by national teams. Although De la Fuente confirmed they have not discussed these issues further, he remains committed to ensuring that Yamal is nurtured appropriately during this critical stage of his career.
As Spain gears up for their important fixtures against Georgia and Turkey, fans are eager to see how Yamal’s return will influence the team’s performance. With his undeniable skill set and recent form, can he help propel Spain to further success? The anticipation is palpable as kick-off approaches.
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