Spain's Coach De la Fuente Faces Key Decisions Before UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Against Netherlands
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Synopsis
Ahead of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente must make crucial decisions regarding the lineup, particularly in goal and central defense, as his team prepares to face the Netherlands in Rotterdam.
Key Takeaways
- Luis de la Fuente has lineup decisions to make for the UEFA Nations League.
- Unai Simon is back, but David Raya's performance raises questions.
- Defensive injuries leave Spain with limited options.
- Robin le Normand is likely to start in defense.
- Attack appears strong with Morata leading and Yamal and Williams on the flanks.
Madrid, March 19 (NationPress) The head coach of the Spain national football team, Luis de la Fuente, has numerous issues to address prior to the opening match of his team's UEFA Nations League quarterfinal on Thursday.
Spain is set to face the Netherlands in Rotterdam this Thursday, with the second leg scheduled for Valencia on Sunday. The initial decision for De la Fuente revolves around who will take the position in goal, as Unai Simon is back after recovering from a wrist surgery that he underwent following last summer's European Championship, as reported by Xinhua.
The 27-year-old, who has made 46 appearances for Spain, has consistently been the first choice when fit. However, David Raya of Arsenal performed admirably in Simon's absence during the autumn, and Simon is still not at his peak, having made a few critical mistakes for Athletic Club Bilbao in the last couple of months.
While the goalkeeping position presents a dilemma of plenty, the coach faces a more pressing issue in central defense due to injuries affecting Dani Vivian, Aymeric Laporte, and Inigo Martinez, which deprives Spain of valuable experience.
Robin le Normand is expected to start, and the coach must choose between Pau Cubarsi from Barcelona, Raul Asencio from Real Madrid, and young Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth to partner him.
Martin Zubimendi, Mekel Merino, and Pedri will likely fill the midfield positions, with Fabian Ruiz also in contention. There are fewer uncertainties in attack, where Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will add speed to the wings, with Alvaro Morata spearheading the offense.
Ferran Torres was unable to train on Wednesday before the team departed for the Netherlands, but he should be fit enough to occupy a spot on the substitutes' bench on Thursday.
