“My vote for the Ballon d'Or will go to the Spaniard who is nominated”

The Spanish national team is immersed in the fight for another Nations League final, a tournament in which it is the current champion. Prior to the semifinals against France, the coach, Luis de la Fuente, attended the press conference and gave his first impressions.

“In these 'Final Four', there are no favourites. There are four matches that are true finals. Germany - Portugal could be the final of a World Cup, Spain - France, too. Favoritism within so much equality, at such a high level, is very difficult. These matches will be decided by details, anyone can win them,” he began.

One of the topics of the moment is the Ballon d'Or and the possible battle of Lamine Yamal with Dembele, citing both in Thursday's match as a possible decisive duel. This is how the coach assessed it: “If you put Lamine's name on the table, I say I vote for Lamine. I also vote for Fabian, or Pedri. I vote for the Spaniards who, for me, are the best. It is also valued that they have won titles with their teams or with their national teams. They have everything to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or. My vote will go to Lamine, Fabian, Pedri or the Spaniard who is nominated”.

“Lamine has an impressive future, but our responsibility is also to take care of the small details that are more important than football quality. I am in love with Lamine's football. I've said that he could be a football legend. He is a very mature boy, with a superior intelligence, very responsible, professional, a good person... he has everything. Unless he has an injury, he has everything and he is on the right path. In his club, here and in his family we will be supporting him,” he concluded.