Spain coach Luis de la Fuente talks Rodri, Pedri, Lamine, Ballon d’Or: ‘Thought he was heading to Real Madrid’

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente talks Rodri, Pedri, Lamine, Ballon d’Or: ‘Thought he was heading to Real Madrid’ Luis de la Fuente has revealed that he expected Rodri to join Real Madrid before the midfielder eventually made his way to Barcelona, while praising the impact of having Spain’s leading players competing in La Liga. The Spain coach has a close relationship with Rodri and admitted he had an idea of how the midfielder’s future was developing.  His comments also touched on Rodri’s potential partnership with Pedri, Lamine Yamal’s development and the Ballon d’Or debate surrounding several Spanish players. De la Fuente thought Rodri was heading to Real Madrid Rodri had been repeatedly linked with Real Madrid before his move to Barcelona, making his eventual destination something of a surprise even to those close to the Spain setup.  De la Fuente explained that he had reached a point where he genuinely expected the midfielder to end up at the Santiago Bernabeu. Asked directly whether Rodri’s Barcelona move surprised him, the Spain coach said,  “There were moments when I thought Rodri was heading to Real Madrid. I have a very good relationship with him, and I knew how things were going.  “The most important thing is to see those top players playing in Spain. What surprises me is that I see so many players from this fantastic generation playing outside Spain.  “That’s why I’m celebrating the fact that they’ve come back and are raising the standard of Spanish football and the league.” Luis de la Fuente thought Rodri would join Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The midfielder’s arrival also raises an interesting question about how he fits alongside Pedri, particularly for Spain.  De la Fuente believes the two can coexist, but stressed that Pedri’s role naturally changes depending on the players around him. Explaining why Rodri and Pedri can complement each other, he said: “Of course, but we’ll also be aware that Pedri has changed his style of play a little.  “I said it during the World Cup: I’d stick with the Pedri from the national team, because playing with some teammates isn’t the same as playing with others. “Rodri makes you play differently; Pedri has to bring other qualities to the table – which he does, because he’s very good. But Rodri too, and Fabian Ruiz as well…  “Rodri is the best player in the world in his position, but I equally believe that Pedri and Fabian are the best in the world in their positions. Or Mikel Merino, alongside Olmo and Fermin.” De la Fuente backs Spain’s stars for Ballon d’Or Lamine Yamal was another major topic, with De la Fuente responding to the youngster’s admission that he had not felt as expected during the World Cup.  Rather than seeing that as a concern, the Spain coach interpreted it as evidence of the teenager’s ambition and desire to improve. “That shows drive, ambition, that attitude in the face of adversity, wanting to be the best every day – no more, no less. That’s how I see it. I talk to them a lot and I feel the same way too. De la Fuente has nothing but praise for Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “I always go to bed thinking about being better tomorrow, and that’s my goal in everything. And that’s what I pass on to them, and I know they feel the same way too. “He’s matured a great deal, and we’ve also seen that he can help the team in other ways, and he’s done so very selflessly.  “I’m grateful to him, as is the whole squad, and I know that in four years’ time we’ll see a different Lamine – and an even better one at that.” De la Fuente was equally clear when discussing the Ballon d’Or, arguing that Spanish football has several players deserving of recognition. He explained why he believes a Spaniard should win the award. “I think a Spaniard should win it, because I’ve been saying for a long time that Spanish footballers are the best in the world in many respects: in technique, in tactics, in other areas and in their understanding of the game.  “No other footballer in the world has that. The Spanish footballer is an almost complete, perfect player. Having said that, I think, as you quite rightly point out, they have more than earned it.” Lastly, when asked to choose between Rodri and Lamine, De la Fuente refused to narrow his preference to just two players, instead pointing towards several members of Spain’s generation who he feels deserve recognition. “And Fabian! We’ve completely forgotten about Fabian. The other day I said I missed Míkel Oyarzábal on that list of players. Top scorer in a historic World Cup for the world champion national team.  “I’m also surprised Pedri isn’t on it. Of those who are, I’d back any of them. I was really pleased when Rodri won it or when Lamine won the Young Player of the Year award,” he concluded. Source: AS