Yamal is a special player, but everything takes time - Spain coach ask for patience for Barcelona star

Yamal has played an important role in the success of Barcelona and Spain in recent years.

The Barcelona player has been instrumental in "La Roja's" recent strong performances, despite not finding the net as frequently.

Following criticism of Yamal's poor scoring record for club and country, Luis de la Fuente has come out to defend the winger.

"Of course, we have to protect him," the coach stated, as reported by Sportal. "We all see that he's a special player, but everything takes time.

"He understands this very clearly, he's focused, and I think he's very mature for his age. He knows what he's doing. We would do him a disservice by just showering him with praise.

"I've heard that Lamine lacks goals. Let me be perfectly clear, those people likely don't know what they're talking about."

Yamal has scored six goals in 21 appearances for the national team, and netted 18 times in 55 matches for Barcelona last season.

Spain will face Bulgaria in the 2026 North America World Cup qualifiers, with the two teams meeting at the Vasil Levski National Stadium on September 4th.