​Spain boss Luis de la Fuente recently addressed Pedri following the Barcelona midfielder’s omission from the starting lineup for the quarter-final clash with Belgium. De la Fuente emphasized that Pedri has not been able to reproduce his best form at the tournament and suggested that his role with the national team cannot mirror the one he enjoys at Barcelona. Speaking on El Larguero, he explained that Pedri “can’t play for us the way he plays for Barça” because Spain’s style is distinct, even if there are some similarities. In De la Fuente’s view, the national team operates with a different approach to football, which requires players to adapt their game to a unique system and tempo.
He went on to say that wearing the Spain shirt “demands something different” and noted that the team’s philosophy and tactical framework differ from Barcelona’s setup. Despite these cautions, the coach also disclosed constructive conversations with Pedri. He mentioned that the midfielder “feels very comfortable when he has a final pass, a shot, and a run into the box,” underscoring Pedri’s attacking instincts and vision. De la Fuente highlighted the influence of teammates around Pedri, pointing out that players such as Rodri and Mikel Merino (referred to as Zubimendi in some contexts) help shape the behavior of those next to them. Pedri’s versatility remains a clear asset, as the coach affirmed that he is capable of operating in multiple midfield roles— as a defensive midfielder (the ‘6’), a central midfielder (the ‘8’), or an advanced playmaker (the ‘10’).
Despite exercising caution about Pedri’s role, De la Fuente offered a strong endorsement of the midfielder, saying he loves how Pedri plays for both Barça and the national team. This balanced stance signals that while Pedri may not always start for Spain, his overall quality and adaptability are highly valued by the coach.
Looking ahead, Spain are set to face France in the World Cup 2026 semi-finals. The question remains whether Pedri will reclaim a starting berth for that critical fixture. De la Fuente’s comments imply that Pedri remains an important part of the squad, but his role will continue to be contingent on the tactical demands of the opponent and Spain’s evolving game plan. As the team prepares for the next hurdle, the coaching staff will likely weigh Pedri’s fit within the system, his current form, and how his inclusion could influence the balance between defense and attack in a match of such consequence. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if the Barcelona maestro secures a return to the starting lineup for the semi-final showdown.