Luis de la Fuente announced Spain’s World Cup squad earlier this week, and FC Barcelona were the most represented club by some distance.
Apart from the usual suspects in Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Pau Cubarsi, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres, the likes of Gavi, Joan Garcia and Eric Garcia all earned spots on the roster.
Gavi’s inclusion, needless to say, was the biggest talking point as the youngster made it despite just returning from injury.
On the contrary, Yamal was included despite having an ongoing injury in the hope that he recovers soon.
Spain manager on Barcelona representation
Speaking to the media in a recent interview (h/t SPORT), the Spain manager was asked about his choices in the squad and to detail the situation of specific players.
De la Fuente has called up eight Barcelona players. (Photo by Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images)
He began by explaining his decision to call up some players who are currently injured and stated that they will all recover early in the event.
“Our relationship, not only with Barça, but with all clubs, is very close. The situation of these players (Lamine, Mikel Merino, Nico Williams) is good considering the stage of their recovery processes.”
“I think all of them will be available for the first match, but it will be evaluated whether it is worthwhile for them to play that game, not because of injury risk, but because our outlook goes beyond the second or third match,” he added.
The manager was then asked about his decision to call up Eric Garcia for the World Cup despite not including him in recent call-ups.
“He has been with me in the under-19, in the under-21, in the Olympic.”
“He had not yet had a chance in the absolute for different reasons, possibly due to injuries at key moments, because we handled three or four players per position,” he added.
Yamal’s World Cup excitement
De la Fuente then spoke on Lamine Yamal in particular and the excitement around the Spaniard’s presence for the event as a marquee player and possibly the best player in the tournament.
Lamine excited for the World Cup. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“He is a player with potential and talent far above average.”
“People usually focus on the more frivolous side of him, but an 18-year-old boy who trains, who has nutritionists, who takes care of himself… how is he not going to go to a party once in a while? But let’s not focus on that,” he added.
Elaborating on Lamine’s situation and how the player was approaching the elite event, de la Fuente said,
“[He] is very excited. He really wants to, he is 18 years old but he is very mature and he knows that in life you have to take advantage of the moments.”
“You don’t know if you’re going to make it to the next World Cup, it’s been four years and this is your moment,” he added on his mentality.
He then went on to praise Yamal’s quality and focused on how his impact will be amplified with the quality around him.
“Lamine is very good and will be even better with the teammates he has by his side are also by his side because we have many of the best players in their demarcations.”