The Real Madrid forward has been playing with a mask in the knockout stages and has yet to score from open play, which Luis de la Fuente believes is affecting his game. Speaking to Cadena Cope on Sunday night, de la Fuente was asked if he had a specific plan in place to stop Mbappe on Tuesday night.
“I’ve never done it and I believe in specific positions that each player knows how to master, except in specific situations. But normally, I like all players to play in the position in which I think they perform best.” The Roja coach also explained that after playing defender Robin Le Normand with a similar mask at one point, he felt Mbappe’s performances were suffering.
An 80% Mbappé
” People need to know that such a mask is quite restrictive. We experienced a similar situation with Le Normand, he was not breathing normally, he was very tired and even had muscular problems. It limits you, but in any case, Mbappé at 80% is a lot of Mbappé, even if it is true that we have not yet seen his best version and that he has enormous potential.. »
Of course, the number one plan to combat Mbappe would have been Dani Carvajal, but the Real Madrid right-back is suspended after being sent off late in the Germany game, so De la Fuente has a decision to make at right-back. Jesus Navas is the obvious replacement, while Nacho Fernandez could also play in that position. It has even been suggested that Marc Cucurella could switch sides.
De la Fuente was asked if he would be comfortable with Navas, 38, facing Mbappe. It’s not that I trust Jesus Navas, it’s that Jesus Navas is the best. He has the legs to last a while, he’s a fantastic player and I have total and absolute confidence in him. I don’t know yet if he’ll play or not, but he’s very prepared. And Mbappé is a player who has the ability to overflow like Dembele or Barcola and that is resolved with the help and cover of a teammate. That’s the way that comes to mind now to try to stop these players when they have the ball. And when we have it, we’ll try to take advantage of their weak points, which can be that defensive phase.”
Ahead of the Euro 2024 semi-final, Spain have the chance to reach their first major final since Euro 2012, the last time they won a major competition. La Roja have the experience of winning the Nations League last year under de la Fuente, but at the same time, France are vastly experienced, having reached the Euro and World Cup semi-finals in three of the last four tournaments.
