Lamine Yamal forces Spain boss Luis de la Fuente to break 270-minute pledge

Luis de la Fuente broke a promise to limit every Spain player to 270 minutes during the international break because of Lamine Yamal’s role in the team’s four consecutive victories.

The Barcelona forward started all four matches as Spain reached the quarter-finals of the Nations League. He returned to Barcelona having played 281 minutes, excluding added time.

De la Fuente had said before the match against Croatia that he was committed to ensuring no player exceeded 270 minutes during the international window. However, Yamal was involved throughout Spain’s run and never asked to be substituted, including in the earlier fixtures.

The 17-year-old did not score or provide an assist in Wednesday’s match against Croatia, but he still caused Josko Gvardiol considerable problems. Yamal was particularly effective against the Manchester City defender in the first half, although Gvardiol eventually recovered his form.

De la Fuente has repeatedly said that the players’ health is his priority. Several Spain players nevertheless had to return to their clubs during the current break because of physical problems, including Ferran Torres, Alejandro Grimaldo, Nico Williams and Barcelona defender Eric Garcia.

Pedri defends Yamal

Pedri defended his Barcelona team-mate after the Croatia match, during which Yamal appeared visibly frustrated after missing several chances.

“He had another great game,” Pedri said. “He lacked precision, that technical touch he had shown in previous matches. He gets very angry when he plays well but misses the chances we have seen him create. Yes, he went to the bench feeling a little frustrated.”

Pedri also highlighted the wider contribution Yamal makes even when he is not directly involved in a goal.

“He is a very ambitious player. He is always trying to score and always wants to contribute to the team,” he added. “Even if he does not score or provide an assist, he gives us a lot because he attracts the attention of several players.

“He is a player who can change the course of a match and gives us so much. Fortunately, we have him in the national team and at Barcelona.”

Yamal’s numbers during the international break underline that contribution, despite his failure to score against Croatia. The Ballon d’Or contender scored Spain’s opening goal against England, struck twice in the victory over Croatia and scored again against the Czech Republic in Oviedo.

He also provided an assist at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.