Spain national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has had a very good couple of years at the helm of La Roja. Doubted massively during his appointment, the tactician has managed to win over the fanbase, both with performances and results.
De La Fuente, through his time as Spain’s coach, has called up Barcelona players regularly to the national team squads. Players like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Dani Olmo are some of the first names on the team sheet whenever fit.
Ahead of their Nation League games against Denmark and Serbia, Luis de la Fuente has been doing the talking in a detailed interview as quoted by Mundo Deportivo. He has mentioned the names of four Barcelona players to make the ‘best in the world’ claim.
The Spaniard was quizzed about him once labeling Dani Olmo the ‘best 10 in the world’. Luis de la Fuente explained the 26-year-old’s ceiling along with a few other Barcelona players. He said:
“People are surprised, and what surprises me is that they didn’t realize Dani Olmo’s level much sooner. The same goes for Pedri. Look, I’m talking about the players you have right there in Barcelona. Fermín, Gavi… my goodness, they are the best in the world in their positions.”
“And specifically, both Dani and these players are insatiable in their drive for success, wanting more and more each day. They want to achieve more and more and improve and improve. What is their ceiling? Well, wherever God wills. They will keep pushing for more each day. They’re going to reach very high, because, believe me, they are very good.”
Dani Olmo is one player who has largely gone under the radar throughout his career. He doesn’t get the same kind of hype that some of his other teammates get and his consistency and footballing brain deserve more credit.
Luis de la Fuente appreciates what the 26-year-old brings to the table. He also sees the immense potential that players like Fermin Lopez, Gavi, and Pedri possess. As he says, the world is their oyster and how far they go depends completely on them.
It really helped Spain that De la Fuente was involved with the youth teams before he took over the senior job. He would have seen these players develop through the youth ranks and is rightfully giving them a chance to star in his team.
Barcelona will feel lucky to be home to one of the best generations that Spain have produced in a long time. This team can match the heights of the famed 2008-2012 La Roja and one can only wait and see how it goes,