Luis de la Fuente praises Spain’s ‘complete’ display as Lamine Yamal scores twice against Croatia

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente praised his side’s performance after their emphatic 4-1 victory over Croatia in the second round of the Nations League.

De la Fuente said he was pleased not only with the result, but also with the impression Spain have created through their performances. The win was their second in succession in the competition, following a 3-2 victory away to England in the opening round.

“We are extremely happy, not only because of the result, but because of the impression we are leaving through our matches,” De la Fuente told beIN Sports after the game.

“We are one family, and that is what makes this group special.”

Spain’s coach said the result underlined the strength and ability within his squad, while acknowledging the quality of the players who make difficult moments appear straightforward.

“We have shown that we are a strong team and that we have a lot of talent,” he added. “Everything difficult seems easy when it is between the feet of these players, and we must continue moving forward.”

De la Fuente also highlighted Spain’s ambition after they made it two wins from two in the Nations League.

“We have great ambition and we never get tired of winning,” he said.

The Spain manager was particularly satisfied with the balance between his team’s defensive discipline and attacking threat. He said Croatia could have been facing an even heavier deficit by half-time.

“We are a complete team defensively and do not give opponents many chances,” said De la Fuente. “In attack, we play with aggression. Against Croatia, the first half could almost have ended with four or five goals.”

“There is a balance between defence and attack, and that is because of everything the players contribute.”

Lamine Yamal was central to the victory, scoring two of Spain’s four goals. De la Fuente described the forward as a player capable of changing matches, while also praising his willingness to work for the collective.

“He is a different player and makes a difference,” said the Spain manager. “But beyond his talent, he plays as part of the team. We are delighted to have him and with the way he puts that talent at the service of the side.”

Yamal’s display also prompted a question about whether he could win the Ballon d’Or. De la Fuente believes the teenager has time on his side, even if he does not claim the award this year.

“There are many candidates for the Ballon d’Or,” he said. “If Lamine Yamal is not the winner this year, he will certainly win it in the future.”