Spain manager effusive in praise of Barcelona rising superstar – ‘Going to make history’ | OneFootball

Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente has taken stock of the current situation of the squad just two weeks before the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifying phase.

With excitement building around the squad, the coach was asked about some of Spain’s brightest talents, particularly Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and summer signing Joan Garcia.

The discussion naturally turned to the Ballon d’Or, where Yamal is already being tipped as a frontrunner despite being only 18 years old. De la Fuente could not hide his admiration for the teenager, saying,

“Lamine is a footballer who is going to make history. We need to keep him calm and cautious… developing people before footballers,” De la Fuente told Onda Cero.

On Joan Garcia’s potential

Attention also turned to Joan Garcia, Barcelona’s new goalkeeper, who was signed earlier this summer from Espanyol. Asked about the shot-stopper, De la Fuente was very clear.

“I don’t look at the player’s club of origin. Whoever we think should come to the national team will come.

Joan Garcia will aim for his first-ever national team call. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“We have six Spanish goalkeepers who are among the ten best in the world. We’re certain that we’ll get it right with whoever we bring in.”

Earlier in the year, Espanyol had been closely watching Spain’s squad lists, as a call-up for Garcia would have raised his release clause from €25m to €30m.

In the end, De la Fuente left him out of the May list, which proved crucial for Barcelona as they were able to sign him for €25 million instead of the higher figure.

Spain now have their eyes firmly set on next summer’s World Cup. While qualification is not yet sealed, De la Fuente’s side are one of the favourites to go far.

With young stars like Lamine Yamal and new talents like Joan Garcia in contention, all eyes will be on how many Barcelona players feature in the squad when the coach announces his list in September.