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FIFA World Cup: Balanced Spain look scary: Possible XI, formation

2018 FIFA World Cup: Spain will look to win the title again after their 2010 triumph. The squad at their disposal surely makes them one of the favourites.

Isco, Real Madrid and Spain forward

Bengaluru, March 21: With the World Cup three months away, all managers are hoping to find the best team balance for the big event in Russia. At the international break this week, Spain will play Germany and Netherlands in two friendlies, handing Spain manager Julen Lopetegui the best chance to find his winning combination.

Although Spain already have one of the most balance squads in the world, there's a lot of competition for a spot in the Playing XI among the stars.

Let's see who fits in where:

Brazil stand a realistic chanceBrazil stand a realistic chance


Goalkeeping

Manchester United's David De Gea will mostly be handed the gloves for Spain in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. De Gea is in great form for Manchester United and is a consistent performer for the side. Kepa Arrizabalaga and Pepe Reina will serve as the backup options for the Spanish national football team.

Defence

The experience of Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos in the central defence will surely give the whole side tremendous confidence. Marc Bartra and Nacho Fernandez are waiting in line to step in when called. Nacho Fernandez, however, is flexible as he can also fit into the right-back position. Alvaro Odriozola is another option for Spain in the right-back position. On his opposite flank, Jordi Alba fits in perfectly into the left-back position in the Spanish defence. This back-four of Spain looks quite solid and carries with it the experience that will be vital for the team at the World Cup.

Midfield

Sergio Busquets, Thiago Alcantara and Andres Iniesta will feature in the three-man midfield for the Spanish side. Players of great calibre like Saul Niguez, Luis Alberto and Illarramendi will unfortunately be the bench options for Spain. Spain is known for playing well-organized passing football. The experience of Iniesta and Busquets will come in handy for them in maintaining the shape of the Spanish Armada formation.

Forward

The selection of the front three will give Spain manager Julen Lopetegui some headache. For now, Alvaro Morata, David Silva and Isco will mostly be favoured despite the physicality of Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa. Costa will come in handy against teams that are good defensively. The pace and dribbling of Marco Asensio will also be useful for the Spanish Armada, but he will mostly come off the bench for Lopetegui. Jose Callejon, Suso, Vitolo, Iago Aspas and Rodrigo could be useful at times.


Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui prefers to play with a 4-3-3 formation; but he has an option to go with a 4-4-2 against the stronger opponents to keep the control of midfield. They will have a lot of options available under their belts in the World Cup. With such a talented squad, there is a real chance for Spain to lift the World Cup again after their triumph in 2010.

Story first published: Wednesday, March 21, 2018, 19:25 [IST]
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