FIFA World Cup 2018: Team Analysis – Spain

Jun 11, 2018 at 2:05 PM

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FIFA World Cup 2018: Team Analysis – Spain

One of the favourites for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2018 are Spain. Fondly called as La Roja, Spanish national team have managed to successfully transform with plenty of new faces in the squad going into the mega event.

Having won the tournament in 2010 for the first time, Spanish national team failed horribly during 2014 World Cup in Brazil. They left the South American nation with embarrassment after failing to reach knock out stages. However, under new manager Julen Lopetegui, the national team are continuing to impress.

La Roja are in serious form and are eager to get back to their elite position in the FIFA World Cup 2018 this summer. Let us take a more in-depth look at their squad.

Defense

In David de Gea, Spain has a reliable goalkeeper in goal after the retirement of legendary, Iker Casillas from the national team.

The notorious yet effective Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique form one of the best Centre-Back partnerships in current football.

On the other hand, the rise in the form of Jordi Alba will help Spain immensely. Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal will look to get to his best at right back after suffering a serious knock during the Champions League final against Liverpool in late May.

The side also has good depth with the likes of Azpilicueta, Nacho, Monreal in the wings.

Midfield

One of the best teams in midfield are Spain. The team has a plenty of world-class midfielders on their roster, and these players are set to be decisive in the outcome of their fate.

Image Source: Twitter

Known for their short passing, the midfielders can demolish any team by not giving the ball away for longer durations. Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara is expected to be their go-to-man in creating chances after his epic rise to the top.

Meanwhile, Sergio Busquets provides the shield to the defense in his position. On the other hand, in-form David Silva will be another creative outlet in the final third after his stellar performances for Manchester City last season.

Attack

Spanish legend Andreas Iniesta, who is playing his last World Cup, will primarily slot to the left-hand side of the attack. He will mostly try to combine with other midfielders to create spaces. On the other side of the pitch, the most obvious choice would be Isco.

The Real Madrid midfielder has been one of the cornerstones in their Champions League winning season once again. Meanwhile, if Lopetegui wants to go for a genuine winger, he has Lucas Vazquez on the bench. Diego Costa is expected to lead the line for the team as a sole striker.

Spain Squad for FIFA World Cup 2018

Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao), David De Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli)

Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Nacho (Real Madrid), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Isco (Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid)

Forwards: Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Rodrigo (Valencia), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid).

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