The Japan Times - Spain coach hails emerging talent ahead of Netherlands clash

Euro 2024 winners Spain fought back in the 2-2 first leg draw to stay unbeaten in their last 22 competitive games, with Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen making his debut as a substitute in Rotterdam on Thursday and impressing.

The defender could be paired with the uncapped Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio on Sunday against the Netherlands, after Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi hurt his ankle in the first leg.

"For us, many of the (breakthrough) players are not surprising, we know the quality of the raw material we have in this country," De la Fuente told a news conference.

"We can use players who have made history and who are great players today, with exceptional experience... (and) others who are are appearing, and who will make us grow, become more competitive and a better team.

"It's very healthy and good news for everyone because we know that we have an inexhaustible youth system."

Spain won the Nations League under De la Fuente in 2023 and then propelled by young wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, roared to Euro 2024 victory in Germany.

De la Fuente took off Barcelona teenager Yamal in the first half of the draw with Netherlands and left Asencio out of the squad entirely.

"This is a squad with great players and we manage it like any team," continued De la Fuente.

"There are 26 of us, we can have 23 players (in the matchday squad), Raul understood it, and is happy to be here with us nad having this experience...

"I can make two exceptional starting line-ups, that's the luck I have, and we have in this country, but not only these 26 players, we have so many more that could be here as well."

Netherlands fans created a display in the stands for the first leg which depicted Robin van Persie's spectacular diving header against Spain during a 5-1 with for the Dutch in the 2014 World Cup.

Asked what he would like to see at Valencia's Mestalla stadium in response, De la Fuente was certain.

"Three nil on the scoreboard," joked the Spain coach.

"Tomorrow our fans will be fired up, they will put a lot of pressure on and we will feel powered by a supernatural strength."

The coach thanked Spain fans for the team's welcome in the east coast city on Friday, as over 20,000 turned up to show their support at an open training session and donated to support renovations following the devastating floods which hit the Valencia region last October.

"I don't think I've seen anything like it... it will be a historic atmosphere," added De la Fuente.

K.Yoshida--JT