The presence of Lamine Yamal, just turned 16, is the great novelty in Luis de la Fuente's squad for the next two qualifying matches for Euro 2024, against Georgia, on Friday the 8th in Tibilisi (6:00 p.m.) and Cyprus, on Tuesday 12 in Granda (8:45 p.m.).
The blaugrana, who has barely played four official matches with FC Barcelona, was praised by the coach: "He has exceptional potential, he has exceptional value for the future and we have to bet on him. Yamal is one of those footballers who is touched by God's wand, it's different. He's prepared to compete at the highest level."
Yamal's entry into the squad confirms his decision to defend the colors of the red, as he had done in lower categories, and not those of Morocco, a selection for which one of his parents is also eligible due to origin.
Apart from the presence of the Catalan, De la Fuente's list has many other novelties such as the novelties of Abel Ruiz (Braga) and Álex Baena (Villarreal). The Barca youth squad player has always been one of De la Fuente's trusted men in lower categories and will have a new opportunity in the absolute. "He completed an extraordinary U-21 Euro Cup, he is a player who has grown a lot. He has a lot of personality and is valuable for the future," confirmed the coach.
Unai Simón, Kepa and David Raya remain in goal, while Pau Torres and Azpilicueta return to the defensive line and the presence of Aymeric Laporte, the first Saudi Arabian league player called up by Spain, stands out.
The new Atlético de Madrid full-back received much praise from the coach: "Azpilicueta is a great guide for young people, he has a special gift for integrating new ones. He has many virtues, above all football."
Unai Simón, Kepa, David Raya; Carvajal, Azpilicueta, Le Normand, David García, Pau Torres, Laporte, Balde, Gayà; Rodrigo, Gavi, Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, Álex Baena, Fabián Ruiz; Alvaro Morata, Joselu, Marco Asensio, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Abel Ruiz, Lamine Yamal.
