Spain boss De la Fuente jumps to defence of Barcelona star

Spanish national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has this week moved to defend a member of the attacking ranks at La Liga champions Barcelona .

The player in question? Lamine Yamal.

Wide-man Lamine is for his part fresh off kicking into gear his 2025/26 season in style.

En route to back-to-back Barcelona victories over Mallorca and Levante, the Spanish international notched a combined goal and two assists.

Following his first goal of the campaign, Lamine unveiled a new-look celebration, which saw the attacker imitate the placing of a crown on his head.

This action sparked frankly needless criticism on the part of rival supporters, who suggested again that Lamine is getting too big for his boots.

Speaking to the media after naming the 18-year-old in his latest squad on Friday, the subject of the criticism being aimed in Lamine’s direction was therefore put to Spain boss Luis de la Fuente.

And the tactician made full use of the opportunity to defend the youngster:

“I disagree with you… It wasn’t a crown, but a wizard’s hat!”

De la Fuente continued:

“With Lamine, the focus is on superficial matters, but what should be highlighted is that he works harder than anyone and takes care of himself more than anyone.

“He hasn’t achieved what he has because of the parties that have been talked about. His work should be emphasised.”

Conor Laird – GSFN

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