During this international break, Spain will take on the Netherlands in their quarter -final of the UEFA Nations League, and this enables Ronald Koeman to include several well -known players from his time as head coach of Barcelona.
A current Barcelona player that La Roja has that Koeman did not have the chance to manage, was Lamine Yamal, who made his first team debut at the age of 15 under the orders of the successor of the Dutchman, Xavi Hernandez.
Koeman spoke with the media this week (via Marca) and he spoke about the impact that Lamine Yamal, whose contract situation in Catalonia has generated a lot of speculation in recent weeks, could have in Barcelona.
“For a coach it is very happy that he has that type of player. Because of his quality he can decide competitions. I had the chance to work with Messi, which was something very big. Hopefully Lamine Yamal will have the same interest that Messi had for this club.”
Koeman was also asked about Pedri, Gavi and Alejandro Bald, who have all become indispensable players for Barcelona, because he gave them their respective first team debut during his term of office.
“I am very happy that I gave these players their debut, but the credit goes to them, who have shown that they are great football players. I am very happy that I gave these players their debut, but the credit goes to them, who have shown that they are great footballers. It's nice to see them a lot for them.
Koeman's time in Barcelona was in no way a compelling success, although he still did well – and that cannot be disputed. Just like Xavi, he also paved the way for some of the younger players to settle in the first team.
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