‘Fantastic potential’ – Spain manager heaps praise on Barcelona wonderkid

The past year has been a memorable one for Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, as he has gone from playing youth football to becoming a fixture in the senior team.

Not only that, but the 16-year-old has also cemented his place in the Spanish national team under Luis de la Fuente.

The teenage wonderkid is one of the five Barcelona stars named in the preliminary Spain squad for the UEFA Euro 2024, along with Pedri, Pau Cubarsi, Ferran Torres, and Fermin Lopez.

De la Fuente hails Yamal’s potential

Speaking at a media appearance, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has praised Lamine Yamal, hailing his amazing potential.

However, at the same time, the La Roja head coach also insisted on being careful with the youngster and nurturing him with some degree of caution given his age.

De la Fuente rates Yamal highly. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

“You have to be very careful with these players. At 16 years of age, you have to be very prudent and allow them to develop naturally, without stress and without pressure. You have to be careful, let them develop,” said De la Fuente.

“He has fantastic potential, like other youngsters we are taking to the senior team at 16 and 17 years of age,” the Spain boss added.

“We have to let them develop naturally and that way we will have less chance of losing them. He’s a player with potential like I’ve seen in very few others.”

Having enjoyed a fine breakthrough season with Barcelona, Yamal will now hope to carry that form forward into the Euros and help Spain go all the way in the competition.

Source: Mundo Deportivo