Spain Coach Luis de la Fuente Praises Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Gavi Ahead of World Cup Quarter-Final

Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente expressed strong confidence in the talents of Barcelona’s Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Gavi as the team prepares to face Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final. His remarks came shortly after France secured a place in the semi-finals by defeating Morocco, with Spain aiming to join them in the final four.

Support for Pedri’s Consistency

When asked about Pedri's recent performances, de la Fuente emphasized the midfielder's steady influence on the team, even when not at peak form. “He always sets a very good tone,” the coach said. “It may not have been his most dazzling game, but it was effective, and others benefited from his work. Not every player can be at 100%, and we’re used to adapting. Pedri consistently delivers his best for the national side.”

Expectations for Lamine Yamal’s Growth

Addressing questions about Lamine Yamal, de la Fuente noted the young player's eagerness and acknowledged that his attacking potential is still developing. “He’s highly motivated, so we need to keep him calm to avoid anxiety,” the coach explained. “He hasn’t yet hit his moment of brilliance, but he showed maturity recently, especially in defense against a strong opponent. We expect him to unlock his full attacking skills soon because he has the talent.”

Admiring Gavi’s Ambition

On the topic of Gavi, who openly shared his dream of scoring a bicycle kick in the World Cup final, de la Fuente welcomed the boldness. “I’d be thrilled—it would mean we reached the final, and if Gavi, whom we admire greatly, scored that goal, it would be amazing,” he said. The coach praised Gavi’s mindset, seeing it as a sign of belief in the team’s ability to progress deep into the tournament.