By Martin Graham
Spain’s national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has addressed the criticism directed at both his squad and rising star Lamine Yamal after their loss to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final. The tightly contested match in Munich was decided by a penalty shootout, with veteran forward Alvaro Morata missing the final spot kick that handed Portugal the title and ended Spain’s reign as champions.
Following the defeat, Morata revealed he is considering stepping away from international duty. Despite the miss, De la Fuente publicly expressed his support for the experienced striker, who now plays for AC Milan. Spain’s setback has triggered broader discussion about the team’s current trajectory, with particular scrutiny falling on Yamal.
Yamal’s progress highlighted amid backlash
At just 17, Lamine Yamal has become a regular fixture in De la Fuente’s starting lineup over the past year. However, in the final, he struggled to make an impact, closely marked by Portugal’s Nuno Mendes. Despite the underwhelming display, De la Fuente urged fans and media alike to adopt a balanced perspective when evaluating young talent.
“In Spain, we often shift from overwhelming praise to harsh rejection based on a single mistake,” De la Fuente stated, according to Mundo Deportivo. “We need to find a middle ground — not to overreact in moments of glory or despair. Let’s be measured in our judgments.”
Yamal’s overall form in the 2024/25 season has been remarkable, playing under Hansi Flick at Barcelona and helping the club secure a domestic treble—winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercup. He scored 18 goals across 55 matches in all competitions. Since making his senior Spain debut in September 2023, he has netted six international goals, including a brace against France in the semi-finals, and has made 20 appearances under De la Fuente. Alongside Nico Williams and Morata, Yamal has grown into a key part of Spain’s attacking line.
