Rough Treatment Awaits Emerging Star
Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona winger, has been warned by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente to expect tough challenges on the pitch. This comes after Yamal was targeted by the Danish side in Spain’s 1-0 UEFA Nations League win over Denmark.
A Glimpse into the Future
Yamal’s exceptional talent and attitude have already made him a standout player. However, his emergence onto the international scene has also made him a target for opposing teams. De la Fuente believes that Yamal must learn to adapt to the physicality of the game.
“The referee has to protect these talented players, but Lamine has to get used to it,” De la Fuente said. “I would love it to be a bed of roses, but this sport is like that.” The Spain coach emphasized that teams will try to intimidate and make contact with young players like Yamal, and it’s up to the referee to mark the limit.
Denmark’s Perspective
Denmark’s Victor Kristiansen, who was booked for a foul on Yamal late in the game, shared his thoughts on the encounter. “It was not that I thought I am going to get a yellow card here, it was simply to say [to him]: ‘Oi, I am also in this fight. I am not afraid of you,’” the Leicester City defender told Ekstra Bladet.
Prioritizing Health
Sources close to the Spain national team downplayed the significance of Yamal’s limp after the game. However, a statement released by the Spanish football federation (RFEF) confirmed that he had returned to Barcelona and wouldn’t play in the upcoming Nations League game against Serbia.
A Busy Schedule Ahead
Barcelona will be grateful for the decision to prioritize Yamal’s health ahead of a tough run of fixtures. The Catalan club faces Sevilla next weekend and then welcomes Bayern Munich in the Champions League, before traveling to Real Madrid for the first Clásico of the season.
La Roja’s Victory
Martín Zubimendi’s second-half volley earned La Roja the three points against Denmark in Murcia, moving Spain to the top of their Nations League group. They return to action on Tuesday with another home fixture, this time against third-placed Serbia in Córdoba.
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