How will Spain line up for the World Cup?
By Harvey Cruz
After an embarrassing group-stage exit in 2014, Spain are reloaded and back for vengeance. Here’s how they’ll line up in Russia this summer.
The golden generation is no more for La Roja. After winning Euro 2008 and 2012, and World Cup 2010, Spain crashed out in the group stage in 2014. But as always, good nations produce great talent for the next tournament, and Spain are rolling deep for Russia.
Under new boss Julen Lopetegui, Spain have increased tactical flexibility using multiple formations in the run-up to the World Cup. The 4-3-3 is still the main formation, but 4-2-3-1 has also been used for more stability in midfield. Moreover, Spain operated in a daring 3-3-3-1 formation in their last friendly against Tunisia.
There’s depth throughout the team. Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique make up arguably the best center-back pairing in the World Cup. The midfield is sensational and full of flair and technical brilliance, while there’s variety in attack. But how should Spain lineup?
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Options aplenty in midfield
From top to bottom, Spain boast the strongest midfield at the World Cup. Mainstays such as Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Sergio Busquets are joined by Koke, Saul Niguez, Thiago Alcantara and Marco Asensio. This department is deep and is the team’s biggest strength.
That being said, it’s not easy to pick who should start. What is easy is the formation, the 4-3-3 which Spain have relied on for the better part of the 21st century. Busquets will continue to operate as the holding midfielder; there’s nobody better at dictating tempo and slowing a game down. Alongside him, Iniesta will operate as the left-sided midfielder. He will be hoping to go all the way in his final World Cup.
The right central midfield spot is a toss up. Koke can offer a bigger threat going forward, while Thiago is a cool customer in possession. The latter is the better choice with Spain staying true to their possession-based game. While the days of tiki-taka may be done, controlling the game with the ball is still a priority.
Rodrigo, Aspas or Costa. Who starts up top?
It’s the biggest problem with this team, and it’s a pretty good one. Alvaro Morata suffered tremendously during his debut season at Chelsea, and has been left off the squad as a result. That leaves three unique attackers in Rodrigo, Iago Aspas and Diego Costa.
Rodrigo had a wonderful season for Valencia and is a great threat on the counter-attack. He’s also very mobile on both fronts, attacking open spaces and not afraid to press and win the ball high up the pitch. Aspas provides width and can play as a winger, but he can also work as a false 9, never out of the question for Spain.
Ultimately, however, Costa is most likely to get the nod. The Atletico Madrid man looks fully fit and back to his bruising best for this summer. However, let’s be clear: None of these three have staked a serious claim to nail down the striker spot. Spain managed only two goals in their two warm-up friendlies, and Aspas was the only forward on the score sheet.
Still, with La Roja‘s focus shifting toward the first group stage game against Portugal, Costa has the edge. In a group with Portugal, Iran and Morocco, Spain may get frustrated trying to break down defensive teams, Costa’s physicality could be a useful weapon.
Predicted lineup for Spain (https://www.buildlineup.com)
Despite the questions about their center forward, Spain’s talent in midfield makes them one of the tournament favorites. With a strong defense backed up by David de Gea, they could very well go all the way.