Spain manager talks Pedri, Ferran, Yamal: “Remember when Messi or Maradona played when they were 16?”

European club football is bracing itself for yet another international break, only a month after the season’s first hiatus.

For Spain, it will be an important window as La Roja look to keep up with Scotland in Euro Qualifiers. Spain have only collected nine points compared to Scotland’s 15 so far, even though the former have a game in hand.

As Spain prepares for matches against Scotland and Norway, Luis de la Fuente has announced his squad, notably selecting four Barcelona players in Alejandro Balde, Lamine Yamal, Gavi, and Ferran Torres.

De la Fuente on injured Pedri

One Barcelona player missing from the Spain squad is Pedri, who picked up an injury earlier in the season and is currently sidelined.

De La Fuente, though, revealed that he does keep in touch with the injured players, including Pedri.

“I do talk to the injured – Pedri, Asensio, Olmo – because they have a hard time, it is the hardest moment and they need closeness,” he said (h/t Diario SPORT).

De la Fuente added that the Spanish team is lucky to have Pedri, as he can fit anywhere in the attacking positions.

“Does Pedri fit in? He can play in any attacking position and in any national team. We are very lucky to have him”. he added.

De la Fuente compares Yamal to Maradona, Messi

The Spanish head coach went on to praise Lamine Yamal, who made headlines last month after scoring on his international debut.

“We always make sure that the process is as reasonable as possible. But there are footballers who knock down the door before others. He has exceptional conditions and his performance will determine what we can give him,” he said.

Amid questions over the youngster’s workload at just 16 years, De la Fuente even compared Yamal’s growth trajectory to Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, stating:

“Remember when Messi or Maradona played when they were 16? Now it seems sacrilegious to debate whether they should play when they are 16 years old. You don’t have to set limits for players like that.”

Finally, De La Fuente heaped praise on Ferran Torres as well. The former Man City starlet has been selected in light of his recent form at Barcelona.

“He has earned it. He knows what we are going to ask of him. There are players who are capable of giving an extra plus and who may even feel more comfortable at their club, which I don’t think is the case,” he said.

“And Ferran is one of them, one of those who can give that extra in the national team. And he can also play in several positions,” he added.