Lamine Yamal: Spain manager Luis de la Fuente says Barcelona's teenage sensation will become 'a historic player'
By Jonny Bray
Published 20/03/2025 at 12:00 GMT
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Barcelona's rising star Lamine Yamal has already impressed on the international stage, but Spain manager Luis de la Fuente believes that the 17-year-old has the talent to become a "historic player" in years to come. Yamal already has 17 caps and a Euro 2024 winner's medal to his name. Spain will face the Netherlands across two legs in the UEFA Nations League this month.
‘Incredible’ Yamal can become an ‘historic player’ - De la Fuente
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Spain manager Luis de la Fuente believes Lamine Yamal has the potential to be a "historic player".
At just 17 years old, the forward has already earned 17 caps on the international stage and has a Euro 2024 winner's medal to his name.
He has also starred for Barcelona this term, scoring six goals and registering 11 assists in La Liga.
De la Fuente believes Yamal has the quality to be a difference-maker in the years to come and insists he will do all he can to help guide the wonderkid.
"Lamine Yamal is in the position to become an amazing player, and he has the potential to be a different player, based on his quality, his self-confidence and his courage," he said.
"I am lucky to be able to have him with us. We will help him become the football player that he has the potential to be. We will do our best to ensure that things are not difficult for him.
"I am sure that we will be able to appreciate an amazing player. If he remains injury-free, I am sure that we will witness a historic player."
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Yamal is part of the Spain squad that will take on the Netherlands across two legs in the UEFA Nations League this month.
He left for international duty with Barcelona top of La Liga, but only ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid on goal difference.
Yamal may have been one of the stars of Barca's season, but De la Fuente insists it is important to remember that he is still only 17.
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"You tend to twist the things that I say, but I have said many times already that Lamine is only 17 years old, and we must not forget that," he added.
"He is still in development and a lot has to happen, and he will go through difficult moments. This is when he will need help and assistance.
"It is not to criticise him, it is just part of the process because he is only 17."
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