The Spanish coach already has a defined core for the Qatar appointment, but there are doubts about certain positions
The League of Nations group stage is history and the team’s next appearance will be on the occasion of the World Cup in Qatar. Outside of club matches, Luis Enrique will no longer have the opportunity to see the evolution of his players live to complete a World Cup call-up that is broadly defined.
However, the full list of players in some positions has yet to be determined, with a core of regular players, others who have dropped out but are still dropping out and finally a no less numerous group of candidates, rushing their options to convince the coach.
The goal is undoubtedly the most defined line. The three goalkeepers in the current call are fixed and the starter is very clear, with Unai Simón being unquestionable.
Gone are those days of arduous debates and controversies about the position under the sticks. The end of Iker Casillas’ stage in the national team left a great void and opened the doors of ownership for David de Gea for a time. The idyll between the Manchester United goalkeeper and La Roja was broken at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with the goalkeeper very prominent in that fiasco.
Kepa Arrizabalaga also had his chance, but the one who ultimately took advantage of it was Unai Simón, who had calmed down completely after last summer’s multi-location European Championship and with Robert Sánchez and David Raya waiting.
“The most powerful line I have is defense.” These are the words of Luis Enrique. The truth is that beyond the words of the Spanish coach outwardly, La Roja’s defense leaves doubts. Eric García and Pau Torres have a virtually assured place at the World Cup in Qatar, despite the pair’s dubious performance against Switzerland. The Barça player was one of the drop-offs for the match in Portugal, while the Villarreal player significantly improved his performance in Braga.
For Diego Llorente and Hugo Guillamón it is much more difficult. The Leeds footballer has not had a minute in this latest League of Nations spell and even Luis Enrique chose to move Rodri as centre-back rather than use his services. The Valencia centre-back was a starter on Portuguese soil, but was soon dealt a card and substituted at half time.
Different situations on the sides. On the right, the experienced Carvajal and Azpilicueta are consolidated and it is difficult for Barça Bellerín to beat any of them. On the left-handed track, the situation is different as Jordi Alba and Gayà have a lot of competition and they will have to offer the best of their versions to be in Qatar.
The defensive midfielders are unquestionable. Captain Sergio Busquets and Rodri form a solvent couple in the Spanish engine room and are well surrounded by the great talent of Gavi and Pedri. A midfield with a lot of Barça color, to dominate the matches from the midfield. The four are set for the World Cup in Qatar.
Carlos Soler, Kole and the versatile Marcos Llorente complete the position at the moment. The first two were starters as an inside pair against Portugal in Braga, where they guaranteed possession but were unable to provide verticality and put another gear into play. The third is valued by Luis Enrique as a true wildcard.
Different profiles on the attack front and a lot of discussion. Morata is the ‘9’ holder of Spain. The Madrid man demonstrated that with the decisive goal against Portugal and the 27 goals he already has as a Spain international prove it, a record on par with the greatest attackers in La Roja history. Borja Iglesias made his mark in the final leg of the game against Switzerland, but his game will largely depend on whether Luis Enrique chooses to add three strikers to his roster.
At the end, Ferran Torres and Pablo Sarabia were starters in Zaragoza and also in Braga, showing their weight in this team despite Barça going through a difficult time. Nico Williams shone in Portuguese countries and claims a spot in this roster with overflow and energy. Despite everything, Asensio retains the coach’s confidence and Yéremy Pino ensures verticality.
There are several players who were not on Luis Enrique’s last list for various reasons, but still maintain the illusion of being called up at the last minute. Some are nearly repaired, and only injuries have separated them from the League of Nations group stage resolution. This is the case of Aymeric Laporte, who, once he recovers 100%, is called to become the leader of the Spanish defense, as happened at the European Championship.
Also Dani Olmo, Gerard Moreno or Ansu Fati, although the latter is special. Luis Enrique will wait for the Barca gem until the last minute and his presence in Qatar will depend on what he does with Barca in the coming weeks.
Íñigo Martínez, the young Alejandro Balde, Marcos Alonso, Cucurella, Thiago Alcántara or Canales have real options. Those of Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Fabián Ruiz, Iago Aspas or Raúl de Tomás now seem much further away.
Source: La Verdad
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