Alfredo Martinez, a journalist for Catalan newspaper Sport, has strongly criticised those questioning Lamine Yamal’s decision to miss Spain’s match against the Czech Republic.
Martinez said the Barcelona and Spain forward had not avoided international duty, but was genuinely suffering from inflammation in his knee and a build-up of fluid in the joint. He said Spain’s coaching staff had therefore taken a cautious approach to the player’s condition.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was forced to explain the problem in detail, according to Martinez, after Yamal’s knee became inflamed following a movement during the match against Aston Villa. The presence of fluid in the joint was also confirmed as part of the issue.
“What more is needed to make it clear?” Martinez said. “Lamine Yamal does not avoid international call-ups.”
He argued that Yamal’s absence against the Czech Republic was the result of his physical condition rather than any desire to distance himself from the national team.
Martinez also criticised what he described as a continued search for complications in ordinary decisions, including resting players before important matches and managing their fitness so they can perform at their best.
He suggested some critics were unable to appreciate Yamal’s performances because he does not play for the club they support.
The journalist went further by saying Yamal could become the best player Spain has ever produced, or was at least a candidate to reach that level. He believes the forward’s ability gives him the opportunity to help Spain win a number of trophies.
Martinez added that Yamal’s ambition, constant desire to win and determination to break records were consistent with his exceptional level on the pitch.
He also addressed the relationship between Barcelona and Spain, noting that several players from the Catalan club had suffered injuries during recent periods with the national team. He described those incidents as unfortunate and accidental.
As an example, he cited Gavi’s serious injury in Valladolid. The midfielder had been an essential member of Spain’s team, Martinez said, but was no longer the same player after that unfortunate setback.
Martinez claimed Yamal was repeatedly placed “at the centre of the storm” by his critics instead of receiving the support and appreciation that would help him feel as comfortable with Spain as he does with Barcelona.
He said the teenager had shown his commitment to the national team, including by accelerating his recovery in an effort to return in time to play and help Spain win their second world title.
The journalist also defended Barcelona’s historic contribution to Spain’s success, saying the national team had always included a strong core of Barcelona players when it won the World Cup or European Championship.
He accused some of Yamal’s critics of double standards, arguing that they supported voting for Kylian Mbappe in the race to be named the world’s best player while overlooking the repeated absences of players from their own clubs during France and Uruguay call-ups, an apparent reference to Real Madrid.
Martinez concluded that, in his view, Yamal’s critics are motivated primarily by his connection with Barcelona, which he said remains a constant target for some supporters.
“Forgive them, Yamal, because they do not know what they are saying,” he wrote.
