Spain coach Luis de la Fuente hailed his crew’s “inexhaustible” provide of expertise on Saturday, forward of the Nations League quarter-final second leg conflict in opposition to the Netherlands. Euro 2024 winners Spain fought again within the 2-2 first leg draw to remain unbeaten of their final 22 aggressive video games, with Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen making his debut instead in Rotterdam on Thursday and impressing. The defender may very well be paired with the uncapped Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio on Sunday in opposition to the Netherlands, after Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi harm his ankle within the first leg.
“For us, most of the (breakthrough) gamers will not be shocking, we all know the standard of the uncooked materials now we have on this nation,” De la Fuente advised a information convention.
“We can use gamers who’ve made historical past and who’re nice gamers at present, with distinctive expertise… (and) others who’re are showing, and who will make us develop, turn out to be extra aggressive and a greater crew.
“It’s very wholesome and excellent news for everybody as a result of we all know that now we have an inexhaustible youth system.”
Spain gained the Nations League below De la Fuente in 2023 after which propelled by younger wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, roared to Euro 2024 victory in Germany.
De la Fuente took off Barcelona teenager Yamal within the first half of the draw with Netherlands and left Asencio out of the squad totally.
“This is a squad with nice gamers and we handle it like all crew,” continued De la Fuente.
“There are 26 of us, we will have 23 gamers (within the matchday squad), Raul understood it, and is pleased to be right here with us and having this expertise…
“I could make two distinctive beginning line-ups, that is the luck I’ve, and now we have on this nation, however not solely these 26 gamers, now we have so many extra that may very well be right here as effectively.”
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman mentioned it could be unimaginable for his crew to close down Yamal.
“I believe we had been able to controlling him, (however) you’ll be able to by no means management him fully due to the standard he has,” Koeman advised reporters.
‘Historic environment’
Netherlands followers created a show within the stands for the primary leg which depicted Robin van Persie’s spectacular diving header in opposition to Spain throughout a 5-1 with for the Dutch within the 2014 World Cup.
Asked what he wish to see at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium in response, De la Fuente was sure.
“Three nil on the scoreboard,” joked the Spain coach. “Tomorrow our followers might be fired up, they are going to put a number of stress on and we’ll really feel powered by a supernatural energy.”The coach thanked Spain followers for the crew’s welcome within the east coast metropolis on Friday, as over 20,000 turned as much as present their help at an open coaching session and donated to help renovations following the devastating floods which hit the Valencia area final October.
“I do not suppose I’ve seen something prefer it… it will likely be a historic environment,” added De la Fuente.
Koeman coached Valencia within the 2007-08 season and though he struggled in La Liga and was sacked, he did lead the crew to a Copa del Rey triumph.
“We have had good moments right here and a few much less good, that is a part of a coach’s profession… we gained the cup, it is not all unhealthy,” mentioned Koeman, who admitted Spain had been favourites.
“They’re somewhat forward due to the lead to Holland, they’re at dwelling, they’re champions of the final Nations League and the Euros final summer season,” mentioned Koeman.
“I believe that Spain need the sport to be completely different to Thursday’s as a result of we had been excellent for a very long time… I hope that we will play the identical match, as a result of we had been at an incredible stage.”
The coach praised Huijsen, who was born within the Netherlands and will have chosen to play for the Oranje.
“He has a giant future as he confirmed the opposite day,” mentioned Koeman.
“He selected Spain, that was his proper, (however) now we have excellent gamers too.”
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