Alejandro Balde is widely regarded as the fittest left back in Spanish football. There is little doubt about his quality. Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente holds him in high esteem and has already given Balde a taste of international duty with the under-21 setup, bringing him into the squad in October just before the World Cup cycle began anew.
Relating to
Bryan Gil dropped from De Fuente’s list
Jordi Gil
Yet, the Blaugrana club does not have a guaranteed left-back slot merely because José Gayà is in the frame. The coach still respects the quality in the position and weighs the options carefully.
The plan is to field changes in two forthcoming fixtures against Norway on Saturday and Scotland on Tuesday in Glasgow. Gayà could be the preferred option at La Rosaleda, with De la Fuente hoping to reward the Valencian captain after his return from a World Cup adventure that came with its own set of challenges.
When Gayà joins the squad, the camp notes that his presence strengthens both defense and attack, offering balance after a surprise return from Qatar. His fitness and readiness to contribute make him a prime candidate for a role in the upcoming fixtures.
Gayà was withdrawn from the training camp due to a minor injury that limited his playing time early in the campaign. The decision was a cautious measure, and the coaching staff preferred to protect him from aggravation. The Valencia captain is viewed as a player who can bring a steadying influence to the back line and can deliver in attack when required. His comeback is welcomed as a sign of his longevity and reliability at the international level.
This move has significant implications for the squad selection, as De la Fuente aims to preserve Gayà for crucial moments and ensure he remains fresh for the forthcoming commitments. The defense and attacking balance he provides is seen as essential for Spain’s broader strategic plan, especially after his unexpected break in the Qatar tournament cycle.
Pedro Porro’s thorn
In wide‑out duties on the right, Dani Carvajal remains a first-choice option due to his experience, ahead of Pedro Porro. Nevertheless, De la Fuente is expected to distribute playing time evenly across the two games, ensuring both players stay sharp and ready for selection when required.
Porro has endured a challenging run recently. He faced a difficult spell with club and country after a high‑profile stint in the Premier League, and his form has been closely watched by the national team staff. He did not appear in every match during a key period, but his experience in the squad remains highly valued. The plan is to ensure Porro is ready to contribute when called upon, balancing his minutes with Carvajal to keep both players competitive for major fixtures ahead.
The coaching staff continues to assess the best combination on the right side, with Porro and Carvajal each offering a different mix of defending solidity and forward thrust. The aim is to keep Spain’s wide play dynamic and unpredictable, capable of troubling opponents with varied approaches as the season progresses.
You may be interested in:
Iago Aspas handed Luis Enrique a tough bill
The goal in Spain has a Galician accent: Iago Aspas, Borja Iglesias, Joselu…
Pedro Porro also didn’t have a smooth experience with Luis Enrique. The current Tottenham player faced a difficult period after a match against New arrivals, with some tough moments against standout opposition in Europe. He was substituted in the second half during that game, while discussions with the national team setup continued. Despite limited involvement in that phase, Porro remained part of the Nations League squad, underscoring the trust placed in him by the coaching staff.