‘If you can’t play 180 minutes in September, forget about it’: Luis de la Fuente on Lamine Yamal playing ‘too much’ for Spain

'If you can't play 180 minutes in September, forget about it': Luis de la Fuente on Lamine Yamal playing 'too much' for Spain

“I say that it’s fortunate to have a player [Lamine Yamal] of that level who can play many games for the national team,” Spain head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has told the media.

“If you can’t play 180 minutes in September, forget about it. We do what we have to do. To represent our country, to make the best out of it and play to win. We have a great reputation to uphold.

“I work to protect all my players. If I only did it with those who play for a certain club, this would be unfair.”

Many Barcelona fans were angry with De la Fuente who started Lamine Yamal against Serbia despite the latter picking up a knock and featuring in all of Barca’s games so far. Now, the 17-year-old could also start against Switzerland on Sunday, September 8 – just a few days after the previous game.