Spain boss De la Fuente refuses to reveal Lamine Yamal's Czech Republic role

Yamal has been one of Spain's key performers during the international break. The 19-year-old started against England and Croatia, scoring three goals and providing an assist across the two matches.

He played the full 90 minutes against England before being withdrawn after 68 minutes against Croatia, leaving De la Fuente with a decision to make ahead of another UEFA Nations League fixture.

Asked whether Yamal would be in the starting XI against the Czech Republic, De la Fuente kept his plans private.

"We'll field the best team for tomorrow's match. We've got it in mind, but we'll put the finishing touches to it tonight," he told reporters.

De la Fuente also stressed that Yamal can have a major impact regardless of when he enters the game.

"He's important at any stage of the match - whether from the start, or from the 60th or 45th minute," the Spain boss said.

"It's no more or less difficult to leave him out. When we pick him, it's because he's effective for the team."

The Spain coach has also been impressed by Yamal's continued development, particularly the teenager's growing maturity.

"It's a pleasure to watch him; he's maturing every day. He reads all situations, even those outside the match itself. That's brilliant news," De la Fuente added.

Yamal's involvement will also be closely monitored by Barcelona, with a demanding spell of club football awaiting him after the international break.

Barcelona are due to play five matches in 15 days from October 10, including a Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain and El Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou.

With Yamal already playing a significant role for Spain, managing his minutes against the Czech Republic could be important before Barcelona enter another intense run of fixtures.

Barcelona return to La Liga action against Getafe at Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, October 10.