National team coach Luis de la Fuente defended young forward Lamine Yamal on Wednesday in Valladolid after the player faced criticism for his lack of goals in recent matches. During an event organized by the Valladolid Sports Press Association, De la Fuente emphasized that the 17-year-old player "will face criticism, likely harshly," but must be prepared to "absorb and manage it."

A Promising Future

The coach reminded everyone that Lamine Yamal is still a young player in the process of maturing and developing, although he praised the FC Barcelona forward for his exceptional quality and maturity beyond his years. "He's a 17-year-old who still has much to learn, but he's special and has something different," said De la Fuente.

The Importance of Dedication

Luis de la Fuente also discussed his dedication to football, explaining that he feels "privileged" to do what he loves. The coach, who watches between 50 and 60 matches every week across all leagues with Spanish players, emphasized that this dedication allows him to have a thorough understanding of Spanish football.

With this commitment, De la Fuente has managed to build a cohesive team, where players excel not only in sports but also personally, ensuring that individual quality always serves the collective. "I've created a group where there are no unnecessary egos," he concluded.