Spain head into the World Cup as favorites, led by Lamine Yamal and guided by Luis de la Fuente after UEFA Euro success in 2024. Midfield selection presents major choices, with Spanish midfielders valued for poise and control at the highest level. Options include Barcelona’s Pedri and Gavi, Manchester City’s Rodri, Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi, and other players such as Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena, and Mikel Merino, who can operate like a striker from midfield. Fermin Lopez could have been a key figure but missed selection due to a foot injury. Former Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas notes the difficulty of choosing among Rodri, Pedri, Dani Olmo, and Fermin Lopez, calling it a “nice problem.”
"“I'm happy I don't have to make that decision... the last couple of seasons from Zubimendi and the second half in the Euros final, he's had an amazing time at Arsenal. Coming into the World Cup I don't know if Rodri is going to take that central midfield role with Pedri. It's going to be a hard decision because Dani Olmo is in great shape, and what a season Fermin Lopez has had with Barcelona. It's a problem, but it's a nice problem for De la Fuente.”"
"“For me, I'd play Rodri, Pedri and right now Fermin as an attacking midfielder. Maybe Dani Olmo can play on the”"
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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