Lamine Yamal’s heavy workload during the international break forced Spain manager Luis de la Fuente to abandon a promise that no player would exceed 270 minutes.
Spain reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League after winning four consecutive matches, with Barcelona forward Yamal starting all four games.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, De la Fuente had made the commitment before Spain’s match against Croatia. However, Yamal returned to Barcelona having played 281 minutes for his country, not including stoppage time.
The Ballon d’Or contender did not ask to be substituted in any of the matches. He failed to score or provide an assist in Wednesday’s game against Croatia, but he caused significant problems for Josko Gvardiol, particularly during the first half. The Manchester City defender later recovered his composure and produced a stronger performance.
De la Fuente has repeatedly said that the players’ health is his priority. Despite that, several Spain internationals were forced to return to their clubs during this international window because of physical problems. They included Ferran Torres, Grimaldo, Nico Williams and Barcelona defender Eric Garcia.
Pedri backs frustrated Yamal
Yamal appeared visibly frustrated after missing several chances against Croatia, but Barcelona and Spain team-mate Pedri defended his performance.
“He played another great match,” Pedri said. “He lacked precision and that technical touch he had shown in previous matches. He gets very angry when he plays well but misses the chances we have seen him create.
“Yes, he went to the bench feeling a little frustrated.”
Pedri added: “He is a very ambitious player. He is always trying to score and always wants to contribute to the team. Even when he does not score or provide assists, he still gives us a lot because he attracts the attention of several players.
“He is a player who can change the course of a match and gives us so much. Fortunately, we have him in the national team and at Barcelona.”
Yamal’s contribution during the international break was reflected in his overall numbers, despite drawing a blank against Croatia.
He scored Spain’s opening goal against England, netted twice in the victory over Croatia and scored again against the Czech Republic in Oviedo. He also provided an assist at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
The four appearances meant De la Fuente’s 270-minute limit was exceeded by 11 minutes, before stoppage time was taken into account.
