Euro 2024: Spain boss Luis de la Fuente says Lamine Yamal can ...

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente is certain that Lamine Yamal will become “one of the best” as the 16-year-old became the youngest player to appear at a European Championship.

The teenager assisted Dani Carvajal for his side’s third goal just before half-time as Spain cruised past Croatia 3-0 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.

Alvaro Morata and Player of the Match Fabian Ruiz were also on the scoresheet in what proved to be a very comfortable victory for the four-time winners to kick off their Euro 2024 campaign.

Asked about the youngster’s record-breaking appearance, De la Fuente was confident Yamal could go right to the top.

He said: "Lamine Yamal becoming the youngest player to play at the Euro? He just keeps breaking records. He needs to keep growing and I'm sure one day he'll be one of the best."

The Spain boss had previously praised the Barcelona starlet, while warning that his youth could mean he is more affected by the increased scrutiny.

De la Fuente said in his pre-match press conference: “In the case of Lamine [Yamal], he is a player who is touched by a magic wand, and we have to support him, because he will be praised and criticised fiercely.”

Yamal spoke after the Croatia victory, emphasising concentration as Spain take on defending champions Italy on Thursday, June 20.

“I’m so happy to win, and make my debut, but now we think about the next game," Yamal said. "I’m here to help the team, in both defence and attack, wherever I’m needed.

“We were very effective today because of the months of hard work we have put in.”

De la Fuente was also wary of getting carried away by their impressive result and performance, but told reporters he particularly enjoyed the post-match celebrations given loved ones were in attendance.

The coach said: "I am very happy for everyone who has worked so hard to get to this point. This group is ambitious and it is a huge family, so I'm delighted for everyone.

"But we must keep our feet on the ground. We've started well, which gives us a bit of security, but now we need to think about Italy.

"My family and friends were in the stands and I transmitted my emotions at the end of the match. We played a very complete game. For such a young team to keep such concentration throughout was particularly pleasing."

The former Spain youth-team boss also mentioned that goalscorer Alvaro Morata was taken off with a minor knock, while Rodri was substituted due to tiredness.

Both should be available to face Italy next week, and finally, De la Fuente had a word for unsung midfielder Ruiz, who he believes should get more acclaim.

“If Fabian wasn’t called Fabian you would talk a lot more about him,” insisted De la Fuente. “He is an exceptional player.”

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