The Netherlands will host Spain in Rotterdam in the Nations League quarter-final with the winners facing either Croatia or France in the semis. Here’s our Spain predicted lineup as the European champions are away from home in this crucial first leg.
Spain Predicted Lineup Vs Netherlands
How Spain Have Lined Up Recently
When Spain lost to Morocco in a penalty shoot out at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Luis de la Fuente was the surprise choice to take over from Luis Enrique. And against all the odds, he won the European Championships in Germany last summer with Spain playing the most exciting brand of football.
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The focus now is on getting past the Netherlands in a Nations League two-legged affair where team selection is always crucial.
Spain Mixture of Youth and Experience
Alex Remiro of Real Sociedad only has two caps to date but was given the chance to play at the age of 29 in Spain’s last outing, a Nations League tie against Denmark in November. Oscar Mingueza of Celta Vigo and Alex Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen were the full backs with Pau Cubarsi of Barcelona and Aitor Paredes of Athletic Bilbao in the role of central defenders.
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In midfield, Marc Casado is just beginning to experience what is required at this level. At 21 years old, he is learning how to be an influential Barcelona player. Whereas Casado has just two full caps, his teammate Pedri is 22 years old and has 30 caps. Both would get a bit of guidance from the more experienced Fabián Ruis of PSG (Paris St Germain). At 28 and with 35 caps, he was outstanding in both games against Liverpool in PSG’s recent Champions League victory.
Spain Excel in Forward Areas
Up front, all eyes are normally on Lamine Yamal, but the sensational youngster didn’t play in this tie against Switzerland. Instead, it was a front three of Alvaro Morata, now with Galatasaray alongside Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao and Yeremy Pino of Villarreal.
Spain Recent Form and Tactics.
Spain’s recent form has seen them win their last five Nations League games on the spin, beating Switzerland home and away, Denmark home and away and while they beat Serbia last October in Cordoba, the only stumble was a draw against the Serbs in Belgrade. It’s possible that two players that are familiar to the English Premier League will come back into the side, full backs Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella. Spain’s full backs are essential to the way they play, often acting as wide players and/or wingers when they’re comfortable in attack.
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Spain Injuries to Consider
Casado has pulled out of the Spanish squad due to a knee injury; Inigo Martinez of Barcelona has the same problem and Bryan Zaragoza of Osasuna has also pulled out. The door will be open to 19-year-old centre back Dean Huijsen who has attracted the attention of Real Madrid among others given his tremendous form for Bournemouth.
Spain Predicted Lineup
GK Unai Simon
RB Pedro Porro
RCB Pau Cabarsi
LCB Robin Le Normand
LB Marc Cuccurella
RM Fabian Ruiz
CM Martin Zubimendi
LM Pedri
RW Lamine Yamal
STR Alvaro Morata
LW Nico Williams
