Spain head into the World Cup as favorites to lift the trophy with Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal looking to cement his status on the biggest stage.
Luis de la Fuente has taken Spain back to the pinnacle of international football after guiding the country to UEFA Euros glory in 2024. Though, heading into this summer’s tournament he has big decisions to make in midfield. There arguably isn’t a position more appealing on the eye than Spanish midfielders. The poise and control needed to succeed at the highest level requires top talent and legends like Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Xavi demanded attention from not only their opposition, but spectators as well.
At Barcelona, following in the footsteps of those three have been Pedri and Gavi. Around the world, there’s Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi. Among Spain’s other options at the World Cup are Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena and Mikel Merino. The latter almost a striker parading as a midfielder given his uncanny ability to take up dangerous spaces in the attacking third and find the back of the net.
Fermin Lopez, if not for a foot injury that saw him miss out on selection, could’ve also played a major role in the tournament. Someone who former Barcelona midfielder and current TUDN broadcaster Marc Crosas was eyeing for a big summer.
SB Nation spoke with Crosas regarding De la Fuente’s conundrum in midfield.
“I’m happy I don’t have to make that decision… the last couple of seasons from Zubimendi and the second half in the Euros final, he’s had an amazing time at Arsenal. Coming into the World Cup I don’t know if Rodri is going to take that central midfield role with Pedri. It’s going to be a hard decision because Dani Olmo is in great shape, and what a season Fermin Lopez has had with Barcelona. It’s a problem, but it’s a nice problem for De la Fuente. For me, I’d play Rodri, Pedri and right now Fermin as an attacking midfielder. Maybe Dani Olmo can play on the left with Mikel Oyarzabal as a nine with only one name, Lamine Yamal, on the right,” Crosas said earlier in May.
Fermin’s injury is a big blow, which could see De la Fuente rely on Dani Olmo throughout the tournament. If he does, Ferran Torres likely comes into the side in attack alongside Oyarzabal and Yamal. Other forward options include Borja Iglesias, Victor Munoz, Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino. The latter might be a dark horse for some substantial minutes given he and Crystal Palace won the UEFA Europa Conference League this season.
Nico Williams has failed to maintain the levels he showed during the Euros, but still has talent to startle defenses.
Still, Spain has more than enough talent in midfield to get the job done this summer. Plus, he can shift between a flat three and a double pivot to give opponents different looks throughout the tournament. Using everyone at his disposal could also keep players fit throughout the entire tournament. Rodri and Ruiz suffered injuries during the season and Merino is just returning from an extended absence. Zubimendi has also looked tired at times as well given the demanding schedule.
How De la Fuente manages his options could be the key behind Spain’s second World Cup triumph.
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