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Spain's national team coach Luis de la Fuente explained why he playing kept playing Lamine Yamal amid injury concerns.
Spanish national team boss Luis de La Fuente has hit back at the critics of his high utility of Barcelona's youngster Lamine Yamal.
The 17-year-old has been an integral member of Spain's set-up in recent years. He started all but one match in their European Championship triumph last summer and in this international break, he was named from the start and played all 90 minutes in the draw against Serbia, much to the chagrin of Barcelona supporters and fans of the youngster who fear injuries due to overload.
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Yamal injury risk
Prior to the match against Serbia, it was reported that the youngster was suffering from a knock. However, De La Fuente addressed it, assuaging fears as he revealed that the player had recovered. He went on to play Yamal for the maximum time against Serbia in their Nations League clash, a move that has been deemed irresponsible by fans.
Yamal is part of a fresh set of early-blooded Barcelona youngsters. The Blaugrana have not had an incredible production line in recent years but have been unlucky with injuries.
Ansu Fati, Gavi and Pedri, all of whom made their La Roja debut as youngsters, have all suffered from long-term injuries. Gavi, specifically, sustained his injury playing a friendly under De La Fuente. The 63-year-old was heavily criticised after the player ruptured his ACL, as he was accused of minutes mismanagement.
“It’s lucky that we have a player of such a level and that he plays so many games for our national team," he said. “If you can't play 180 mins in September, turn it off and let's go. We represent our country and play to win."
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Luis de la Fuente defends himself
Speaking at a decent press conference, the coach rubbished suggestions that he is demanding too much from Yamal in terms of minutes.
According to him, it's an honour to represent one's national team, and the player should be capable of playing for 180 minutes this early into the season.
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