It is well known that Luis de la Fuente does not pay attention to the age of players. He never hesitated to call up 17-year-old players like Lamine Yamal and Cubarsí, or to offer a first selection to veterans like Joselu at 32 years old. Recently, it has also become clear that he does not cry with nostalgia when looking at photos of recent successes in forming his starting eleven. It’s not that he’s partial to anyone; he is married to all. It doesn’t matter who is in goal, who plays as a striker or who is in midfield: Spain wins, no matter who steps on the pitch.
The national team secured first place in their Nations League group by beating Denmark in Copenhagen, with a starting XI where only three players had started in the Euro 2020 final against England: Cucurella , Dani Olmo and Laporte. It is true that some absences are forced, such as those of Unai Simón, Carvajal, Rodri, or Lamine, but Fabián, Nico Williams and Morata, two key players in Germany, are also part of the squad for this break, even if they weren’t in the starting lineup.
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In goal, Unai Simón’s absence for over a month has allowed David Raya to solidify himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe at Arsenal. On defense, Carvajal’s serious injury leaves the right-back position open for the coming months. Pedro Porro and Mingueza, who started in Copenhagen, are vying for the first choice position. Le Normand’s absence in the last two call-ups has been ably compensated for by Vivian, who started against Denmark, while Cubarsí and Paredes also push in behind. If Grimaldo were to replace Cucurella in the next match, no one would be surprised.
The most notable absence might have been Rodrigo, the newest Ballon d’Or winner and Euro MVP, but Zubimendi has transformed into a true general and will occupy the central midfield position until return of the City man, which will take more than six months of recovery. Alongside him, De la Fuente opted for Baena and Merino against the Danes. Baena barely got any minutes at the Euros, while De la Fuente used Merino as a decisive substitute. The Villarreal midfielder is one of the most in-form players in La Liga and will fight for a place in the starting XI against Fabián or Pedri, both established internationals. Merino, increasingly important at Arsenal, also seems to be gaining momentum in La Roja.
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At the front, there has been a total renewal. None of the three players formed by Nico Williams, Morata and Lamine Yamal, who have been undisputed since their formation, started against Denmark. Lamine had to withdraw at the last minute due to discomfort, and Morata arrived with a blow to the head during his match against Cagliari. Nico was probably destined to start, but De la Fuente chose Oyarzábal, Ayoze and Dani Olmo, who actually played in the Euro final, but as an attacking midfielder rather than a winger.
Whatever the circumstances, Spain wins with anyone. Style has surpassed individual talent, and La Roja exude the feeling of being a near-invincible team. The challenge now is to win the Nations League for the second time in a row and secure a third consecutive title after their Euro triumph. And it doesn’t matter who plays.
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