Spain secured their place in Russia after an unbeaten qualification phase, winning nine
of their 10 fixtures and conceding just three goals.
With an average of 3.6 goals scored per match, La Roja carried a considerable threat going
forward.
Julen Lopetegui has shown himself to be flexible in his tactical approach during World Cup
qualification, with Spain using systems with both three and four at the back.
In their toughest games in that group, against Italy, however, he set a consistent stall
out.
David De Gea featured in goal, with a back four of Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Gerard
Pique and Jordi Alba ahead of him.
A three-man midfield included Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Koke - but Thiago could
well usurp the Atletico Madrid midfielder this summer.
La Roja will likely go with a number nine, with two wider midfielders floating infield
to encourage their full backs to push on, but talk of a false nine can never be entirely
dismissed.
Lopetegui should opt for the presence of Diego Costa to lead the line, but Rodrigo Moreno
is a mobile, associative presence that isn’t afraid to press intensely and work hard.
When Spain are in possession, their full backs will push up to offer the real width, allowing
for the likes of David Silva and Isco to check infield and look to collect the ball in the
half space or in between the lines.
This is where their talented attacking midfielders will be at their most dangerous, with the
ball at their feet and accelerating in pockets of space.
If they can do that, opening play out to the wings for their full backs or sliding a pass
in behind for the likes of Diego Costa or Rodrigo should be much easier.
Aside from the centre backs sitting in and Busquets deepest to link midfield to attack,
things should be very fluid.
Pressing high should be the first line of defence against strong opponents.
After losing the ball deep in the opposition half, the first thought is to step up and
force riskier passes, rather than retreating cautiously to regroup and allow their adversaries
to have the time and space to build.
An array of midfield talent.
Lopetegui has the likes of Sergio Busquets and Thiago to control play, with players such
as Andres Iniesta, Isco, David Silva and Marco Asensio to add some cutting edge in and around
the box.
Koke and Saúl arrive in Russia after a strong finish to the league season with Atletico
Madrid, with Lucas Vazquez offering width from the bench after his best season yet.
Spain have a good blend to both keep the peace and wage war.
Spain boast a very well-rounded squad, with the only small potential weakness being found
at centre back.
Sergio Ramos has a reputation for some rash defending and doesn’t boast the pace that
he used to.
Alongside him, Gerard Pique is no slouch, but the combination of the two could be something
that sides with quick forward options could potentially capitalise on, especially on the
counter.
While this season hasn’t seen Isco be as consistently key for Real Madrid, in comparison
to his brilliant performance at the tail end of the 2016/17 campaign, gradually the diminutive
midfielder has received some opportunities and gained some momentum.
Armed with fantastic vision, technical ability and cutting edge around the penalty area,
Isco will be an exciting addition to a fluid attack.
Whether it has been for his club or country, Marco Asensio has shown that he is ready to
contribute at the very top level.
Since starring for Spain U21 last summer in Poland, the young midfielder has continued
to progress at a frightening pace.
His acceleration and drive make him a fantastic option from the bench against tired legs.
Julen Lopetegui’s side boast plenty of midfield talent, a deep wealth of defensive options
and have seen their striking problems solved during the last LaLiga season.
Previously, Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata appeared to be the only ways forward, but
Iago Aspas and Rodrigo’s explosion onto the scene leaves Spain with the arsenal required
to massively improve on their last World Cup outing.