Spain face Uruguay this evening knowing a result will secure their place in the World Cup knockout rounds, with Luis de la Fuente also expected to push for top spot in the group and a potentially more favourable route through the draw.
The Spain boss has an abundance of talent at his disposal, but the key question is whether he will risk his strongest starting XI despite qualification still not being mathematically secured. Uruguay, meanwhile, have yet to fully convince at the tournament, having registered two draws against the group’s lower-ranked sides in Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, lacking fire-power up front and weak at the back without the injured Ronald Araujo.
So, with that perceived weakness in mind (don’t hate me Uruguayans), this fixture offers an ideal opportunity to rest one of Spain’s key stars. Pedri has endured another demanding season despite a string of injury setbacks, and has already logged 160 minutes across the opening two matches.
He also finds himself walking a disciplinary tightrope on a yellow card, and against a side known for their physical approach and willingness to “win” the occasional soft foul, it might be wise to take him out of the firing line before he ends up spending the knockout rounds watching from the stands. Resting his legs, and sparing him from any enthusiastic challenges, could prove beneficial for everyone involved.
Any player receiving two yellow cards across their team’s first three matches can be suspended for the first match of the knockout round. Keep him ready for knockouts with a sound replacement in the wings.
The perfect replacement
Spain have the likes of Fabián Ruiz, Dani Olmo, Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino available as alternatives, but it is Gavi who arguably offers the closest stylistic replacement for Pedri in the deeper of the two advanced midfield roles.
While he may not yet match Pedri’s range of passing, the Barcelona youngster is more than capable of carrying the ball and operating in tight spaces, bringing the same fluidity and dynamism to Spain’s midfield. He also adds a touch of edge and intensity, that familiar Gavi “spice”, which could prove useful in matching the opposition’s physical approach.
Tonight's game may see the chance to see several Barcelona players in the starting line-up, if Gavi doesn't make it
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