Spain manager talks Pedri, Olmo, Lamine, Casado, Inigo call-up, Gavi exclusion | OneFootball

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente announced the squad list of players for their upcoming UEFA Nations League quarter-final encounters against the Netherlands.

La Roja will face off against Ronald Koeman’s men in a double-header later this month in the first international break of 2025, hoping to make it to the final four.

And, De la Fuente has called up as many as seven players from FC Barcelona for the two matches against the Oranje.

Indeed, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Marc Casado, Pau Cubarsi, and Inigo Martinez were all named in the Spain squad list by the manager.

There were, however a couple of surprise absences as Gavi and Alejandro Balde were left out while Eric Garcia was also not called up.

Meanwhile, Fermin Lopez was included in the Spain U-21 squad list by Santi Denia, along with Gerard Martin and Pablo Torre.

De la Fuente explains Gavi, Inigo decisions

Speaking to the media soon after the announcement of the squad list, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente explained his decision to leave Gavi out of the squad list for the Netherlands encounters.

“There are more players who could be here but aren’t than those who are. And that shows the strength of Spanish football. There is a very good selection for the plan we have. And in my opinion, it’s the best we can do.” he stated.

On his decision to call Inigo Martinez back to the squad for the first time in almost a year and a half, De la Fuente remarked:

“I’m recalling him because he’s never been out of our plans, even if other players have played at other times. It’s an opportune moment because he’s doing very well and he fits in perfectly with the game plan we have.”

On Pedri and Lamine Yamal’s form

De la Fuente was also full of praise for Pedri, going on to label him as one of the best players in the world in his position in his current form.

Pedri, Lamine are key cogs in the Spain NT. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“He is in a moment of maturity and performance like never before. But we haven’t seen the best Pedri. He gives us the ability to do many things because of his versatility,” said De la Fuente.

“He is one of the best in the world in his position. We are going to value what we have and enjoy him,” he added.

Answering the question about who between Pedri and Dani Olmo would be the preferred starter for him, the Spain boss jokingly replied:

“‘I have written to FIFA if they will let me play with 16 players. Let’s see if Lamine, Nico, Pedri, Olmo? If they let us play with 16… but it’s difficult. We have very good players. Any one of them could be a starter.”

Regarding Lamine Yamal’s tremendous growth and the potential he possesses, the La Roja head coach remarked:

“He is still growing. He is 17 years old, let’s not forget that. We have to ask him to keep enjoying himself. He can go a long way but the first ones who are going to kill him are you [the media]. He is unbelievable. And he has to be prepared for that criticism.”

Finally, De la Fuente also had some praise for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado as he highlighted the youngster as a candidate to replace Rodri in the national team setup.

“Rodri is irreplaceable, what can I say? He is the best in the world in his position, but we have the second in the world in Zubimendi and Casado is another super player,” he noted.

Source: Mundo Deportivo