Spain take on Belgium in the World Cup quarter-finals on Friday evening (19:00 UTC), with Luis de la Fuente's side aiming to book their place in the last four against a Belgian team full of confidence after knocking out hosts USA in the previous round.
De la Fuente has largely stuck with a settled starting XI throughout the knockout stages and is unlikely to make sweeping changes. However, there could be a few tweaks, with the right-back, attacking midfield and left-wing positions the most likely areas where the Spain boss opts for fresh legs or a tactical adjustment.
Will Pedri and Dani Olmo start in the midfield?
Spain have started Pedri and Dani Olmo together in each of their last two knockout matches. While the Barcelona duo combined effectively in the victory over Austria, they failed to provide the creativity and cutting edge needed to break down Portugal in a cagey Iberian derby.
It was only after Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Merino were introduced that Spain found greater energy, control and attacking impetus, with the substitutes helping to transform an otherwise flat display with Merino scoring the winner.
Pedri remains one of the first names on Luis de la Fuente's teamsheet and is unlikely to lose his place, but the same cannot be said for Olmo. After another underwhelming performance, the Spain boss may be tempted to freshen up his midfield by introducing Ruiz or Merino from the start, adding greater balance, physicality and dynamism ahead of Friday's quarter-final against Belgium.
Spain depth in the midfield department
Spain boast an embarrassment of riches in midfield, with the European champions retaining a squad remarkably similar to the one that conquered the continent.
Rodri and Pedri are the first names on the team sheet, their styles complementing each other perfectly, leaving just one spot up for grabs. Fabián Ruiz, Mikel Merino and Dani Olmo have all impressed when called upon and offer distinct qualities.
Gavi provides valuable versatility across several positions, while Marcos Llorente and Martín Zubimendi offer reliable cover in the deeper midfield roles.
Player | WC appearances |
|---|---|
Pedri | 5 |
Martin Zubimendi | 0 |
Dani Olmo | 5 |
Gavi | 2 |
Fabian Ruiz | 5 |
Mikel Merino | 5 |
Marcos Llorente | 2 |
Rodri | 5 |
Spain Team News
The main concern surrounds Nico Williams, who has recently returned to training after injury, while Crystal Palace forward Yeremy Pino remains a major doubt following a fractured collarbone.
Otherwise, Luis de la Fuente has a fully fit squad and has kept his starting XI largely unchanged throughout the tournament.
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