Yamal, 17, played the full 90 minutes as Spain opened their Nations League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Serbia on Thursday. The winger started all four of Barca's La Liga games this season, too, racking up 356 minutes already.

Yamal played an important role in Spain's Euro 2024 success, starting all but one of La Roja's games as they went on to beat England in the final. Since he did not have a proper summer break, there are concerns about his workload at such a young age, but De la Fuente remained defiant when asked about him.

He told reporters: "It's a blessing to have a player like Lamine Yamal who has the ability to play so many games. Lamine is perfect."

When asked about clubs' hoping their players will be given a rest, he said: "Well, if we can't play 180 minutes in September, then let me know. We put our best players in because we have the great responsibility of representing our country. Besides, it would be very unfair to give minutes to players based on their origin. I won't do that."

It appears Yamal can expect to be included in the starting XI when Spain take on Switzerland in their second Nations League game on Sunday.