“He has that special talent of a chosen one” – Spain manager Luis de la Fuente on Barcelona starlet | OneFootball

In 10 days’ time, Luis de la Fuente is to announce his Spain squad for this summer’s European Championship. Barcelona could have numerous players getting the call, with as many as eight players on the recently-established pre-list.

Lamine Yamal is the safest bet to be on the plane to Germany, and speaking to La Vanguardia (via MD), de la Fuente spoke very highly on the 16-year-old sensation.

“There are special players like him who at 16 have something different and you know they’re ready for things that others aren’t until they’re 23 or 24. If he ends up playing in the European Championship, it will be because he is prepared and because he has that special talent of a chosen one.

“He will need support because he will go through difficult times, because those who now praise him will be the first to criticise him, and the professionals know that he will have mountain peaks, when he is in the process of training. You have to be prudent, be cautious, but at the same time, be demanding because there are not many with that potential. We have to demand from them according to their point of maturity.”

De la Fuente also addressed Pedri’s situation, with the 21-year-old midfielder making his way back to full fitness in recent weeks after another injury problem.

“He can show up at any time because he’s very talented and he’s a great player. I know him very well, I have been one of his supporters since I was very young. I know exactly what Pedri can give me at any moment, and he knows what I’m going to ask of him. He’s always going to have my recognition, and I’m sure he’s always going to be at a good level with me.”

Gavi was included in the pre-list, although he will play no part in Germany as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury sustained while playing for Spain in November. De la Fuente recognised that his absence is a major blow for La Roja.

“He’s a unique player, very important for Barcelona and for the national team in all areas. On a football level we are not going to find out, but perhaps people do not know that on a human level he is almost more important. He’s a player who was loved by all his teammates and he gave us a lot of life. It’s going to be a very important loss because of everything he generated.”

Finally, de la Fuente provided an ambiguous answer on the possibility of another impressive Barcelona youngster, Fermin Lopez, being called up for Spain duty.

“In football there are doors that open and close naturally. We follow all the players, and most of them have been on some shortlist. We will value everything and we will fit those who best suit our needs, regardless of whether they have been with us or not – that will not be an inconvenience.”