Spain coach Luis de la Fuente talks Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Gavi ahead of World Cup quarter-final

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente talks Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Gavi ahead of World Cup quarter-final Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has thrown his full support behind Barcelona stars Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Gavi ahead of the country’s FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Belgium. The Spaniard’s comments come just hours after France became the first team to reach the World Cup semi-finals by defeating Morocco, with Spain now hoping to join them in the last four.  Speaking during his pre-match media appearance, the Spain manager discussed the performances of several Barcelona players at the World Cup, offering detailed assessments of Pedri and Lamine Yamal while also reacting to Gavi’s ambitious dream for the tournament. Backing Pedri Asked for his assessment of Pedri’s recent displays, Luis de la Fuente made it clear that the Barcelona midfielder continues to be one of the most reliable players in the Spain squad, even if he is not always producing his most eye-catching football. “Very good. Whether he’s on top form or not, he always sets a very good tone.  “It probably wasn’t the most spectacular performance, but it was certainly effective. And those who came on benefited from that work. You have to bear in mind that not everyone can be at 100%.  De la Fuente has backed Pedri. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) “And we’re specialists in that – when one player isn’t at 100 per cent, another steps in to cover for him. With us, he’s always at his best. I’ll stick with the Pedri from the national team.” De la Fuente on Lamine Yamal The Spain boss was then asked whether Lamine Yamal needs to produce even more in attack as Spain prepare for the World Cup quarterfinal vs Belgium, to which he said, “Yes. I think he’s really motivated. That’s why we need to keep him calm, so that doesn’t turn into anxiety.  “And we know the best Lamine is yet to come because he hasn’t quite reached that moment of brilliance yet.  “But the other day he had to show his defensive skills against a very powerful opponent, and he did so right up until he took Nuno Mendes out.  Lamine Yamal will be crucial against Belgium. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) “He played a very mature game. He’s going to reach his full potential in attack because he’s impressive. We’re going to wait for it because he’s got what it takes.” Spain coach praises Gavi’s confidence The Spain coach’s press conference also touched on Gavi after the Barcelona midfielder admitted that he dreams of scoring a bicycle kick in the World Cup final. Rather than dismissing the idea, De la Fuente welcomed the ambition and praised the youngster’s mentality ahead of one of Spain’s biggest matches of the tournament. “Well, I’d be delighted because it would mean we’d reached the final, and if Gavi – whom we love so much – were to score it on top of that.  “That just shows he believes we can get there. Gavi is a fantastic lad and a great footballer,” he concluded. Source: AS