As Spain prepares for a crucial Nations League clash against Switzerland, national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has addressed growing concerns surrounding the workload of Barcelona’s young winger Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old prodigy has been at the center of discussions, with calls emerging for him to be rested following an intense period of fixtures.
Barcelona fans worried about Lamine’s busy schedule
Over the last few days, the rising star of Barcelona has attracted attention, particularly from fans worried about his heavy workload. Following a breakout season where Yamal made 50 senior appearances for the Catalan club, he played a pivotal role in Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 campaign this summer. Despite the demanding schedule, the winger has continued to feature prominently for Barcelona, starting in all four of their La Liga matches this season.
Concerns only heightened when Yamal was called upon by de la Fuente to play the full 90 minutes in Spain’s 1-1 Nations League draw with Serbia on Thursday. With the continuous demands placed on the youngster, many Barcelona supporters have urged for him to be rested during Spain’s next match.
De la Fuente firmly in position for Yamal playing time
Despite the increasing calls for a break for Yamal, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente remained resolute in his approach. When questioned during a press conference about the possibility of resting the teenage winger for the upcoming Switzerland fixture, de la Fuente made his stance clear.
“If we can’t play our players for 180 minutes in September… get out of here!” de la Fuente remarked firmly. “We will do what we have to do. We represent our country, and it’s our job to field the best players and secure victories to uphold our prestige.”
Upcoming Test Against Switzerland
As Spain readies itself for the encounter with Switzerland, it remains to be seen whether Lamine Yamal will once again feature in the starting lineup or finally be given a much-needed rest. However, de la Fuente’s firm commitment to fielding his strongest squad suggests that the youngster may well take his place on the right flank once more.
With a tough schedule still ahead, the balance between managing player fatigue and maintaining performance will be crucial for both Barcelona and Spain, as they look to continue their successful campaigns.
