Lamine Yamal criticism is unfair, says SPORT journalist Alfredo Martinez

Alfredo Martinez has strongly defended Lamine Yamal, saying the Barcelona and Spain forward missed the match against Czech Republic because of a genuine knee problem rather than any attempt to avoid international duty.

The SPORT journalist said Yamal was suffering from inflammation and fluid on the joint, prompting Spain’s coaching staff to take a cautious approach with his fitness.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was forced to express his anger and explain the symptoms affecting the player, Martinez said. Yamal’s knee became inflamed following a movement during the game against Aston Villa, with fluid subsequently building up in the joint.

“What more is needed to make it clear? Lamine Yamal does not avoid call-ups,” Martinez said.

He argued that Yamal’s absence against Czech Republic was the result of his physical condition and not a decision to distance himself from the national team.

Martinez also criticised what he described as a constant search for complications in ordinary decisions, such as resting players before important matches and managing their workload to ensure they reach the highest possible level of fitness.

He suggested that some critics were unable to appreciate Yamal’s performances simply because he does not play for the team they support.

The journalist went further by saying Yamal could become the best player Spain has ever had, or was at least a candidate to reach that status. In his view, the forward’s ability gives him the opportunity to help Spain win a number of major trophies.

Yamal’s ambition, desire to win and determination to break records were also consistent with what Martinez regarded as his exceptional footballing level.

Barcelona’s role with Spain

Martinez discussed the relationship between Barcelona and the Spain national team, pointing out that several players from the Catalan club had suffered injuries during recent international breaks. He described those incidents as unfortunate and accidental.

As an example, he cited Gavi’s serious injury in Valladolid. The midfielder had been an indispensable member of the Spain side, Martinez said, but was no longer the same player after that unfortunate setback.

He added that Yamal was continually placed at the centre of criticism instead of receiving the support and appreciation that could help him feel as comfortable with Spain as he does with Barcelona.

Martinez said the forward had shown his commitment to the national team, including by accelerating his recovery in an effort to return in time for matches and help Spain win its second global title.

He also defended Barcelona’s historic contribution to Spain’s success, saying the national team had always included a strong core of players from the club when it won the World Cup or European Championship.

The journalist accused some of Yamal’s critics of applying “double standards”. He said they backed Kylian Mbappe in the race to be named the world’s best player, while overlooking the repeated absence of players from their own clubs from France and Uruguay squads, in an apparent reference to Real Madrid.

Martinez concluded that, in his view, the main reason for the criticism was Yamal’s association with Barcelona. He said the club and the player were permanent targets for some followers before addressing the teenager directly: “Forgive them, Yamal, because they do not know what they are saying.”