Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has hailed Liverpool’s new signing, Viktor Muñoz, as one of the most important figures behind La Roja’s dramatic FIFA World Cup final triumph, insisting the young forward’s influence went far beyond what many supporters witnessed on the pitch.
Speaking after Spain’s historic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final, De la Fuente praised the entire squad for their unity and commitment but reserved special recognition for Muñoz, describing the Liverpool-bound attacker as “vital” to the team’s success throughout the tournament. While Ferran Torres grabbed the winning goal in extra time, the Spain boss stressed that the collective effort from every player, including Muñoz, made the difference.
The victory secured Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title and crowned an extraordinary campaign in which they conceded just one goal throughout the tournament. Their disciplined defending, relentless pressing, and attacking quality proved too much for the reigning champions, Argentina, who battled bravely before eventually falling in extra time.
De la Fuente explained that Viktor Muñoz embodied everything Spain wanted from their players. The manager highlighted his work ethic, professionalism, willingness to sacrifice for teammates, and ability to impact games whenever called upon. According to the Spain coach, success at a World Cup is never about just the goalscorers or the headline-makers—it is about every member of the squad contributing to a common objective.
The coach noted that Muñoz’s attitude throughout the competition inspired those around him. Whether training, preparing for matches, or supporting teammates from the bench, the new Liverpool signing demonstrated the mentality expected of a world champion.
For Liverpool supporters, the comments are another reason to be excited about the club’s newest arrival. The Reds completed a deal for Muñoz before the tournament, allowing the winger to remain focused on international duty before eventually making the move to Anfield after the World Cup. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola had already praised Muñoz’s versatility, determination, and hunger to improve, qualities that have now also been publicly recognised by Spain’s national team coach.
Although the World Cup final will be remembered for Ferran Torres’ decisive strike and Spain’s defensive resilience, De la Fuente insisted that players like Muñoz deserve equal credit for helping create a winning environment throughout the competition.
Spain dominated large spells of the final against Argentina, creating numerous opportunities before finally breaking the deadlock in extra time. Their patient approach eventually paid off as they dethroned the defending champions to lift football’s biggest prize once again.
The triumph also completed another remarkable chapter in De la Fuente’s managerial career. Having already enjoyed success with Spain’s youth teams and the senior side in recent years, lifting the World Cup further cemented his reputation as one of international football’s elite coaches. After the final whistle, he praised his players for fulfilling what he called their “date with destiny” and credited their togetherness for making history.
For Viktor Muñoz, the achievement represents a dream beginning to what promises to be an exciting new chapter. Winning the World Cup before officially starting life at Liverpool gives the Spanish winger enormous confidence as he prepares for the demands of Premier League football.
Liverpool fans will now eagerly await Muñoz’s arrival at Anfield, where expectations will naturally be high following his involvement in Spain’s world-title-winning campaign. While he still has plenty to prove in English football, the glowing endorsement from Luis de la Fuente suggests Liverpool have acquired not only a talented footballer but also a player with the mentality required to succeed at the highest level.
As celebrations continue across Spain, De la Fuente’s comments underline an important truth about championship-winning teams: trophies are earned not only by the players who score the decisive goals but also by those whose dedication, discipline, and commitment elevate everyone around them. According to Spain’s manager, Viktor Muñoz was one of those indispensable figures, making him a vital contributor to Spain’s unforgettable World Cup final victory.