A look back at the squad that removed Luis de la Fuente from contention in the third match on the road to a European Championship in Germany.
Failing was never an option. He already stumbled in Esocia, and in Georgia he cannot afford another slip as the Spanish national team presses toward Euro 2024 in Germany. It is useful to examine which lineup could force De la Fuente to rethink in Tbilisi.
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Heading into this fixture, Luis de la Fuente has Lamine Yamal, Álex Baena and Abel Ruiz available, alongside César Azpilicueta who has returned to the national team. It remains uncertain whether all three will earn starting roles against Georgia.
Starting goalkeeper seems likely to be Unai Simón, though Kepa, now with Real Madrid, is a real option as well. Aymeric Laporte and Robin Le Normand could partner in central defense if Laporte overcomes ankle discomfort; if not, Pau Torres would slot in. The fullbacks are anticipated to be Dani Carvajal and José Luis Gayá.
Spain is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation with De la Fuente relying on Rodri as a regular in the double pivot, flanked by one of two rotating partners: Mikel Merino or Fabián Ruiz. In the midfield trio, Gavi shifts into a central role alongside Dani Olmo and Marco Asensio. Up front, Morata and Joselu compete for the center-forward spot, with Morata perceived as the favourite to start for Atlético Madrid.
On the Georgia side, Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the main threat. The Italian champions’ flyer leads a squad that also features other appealing players such as Mikautadze (Ajax reportedly paid 16 million) and Chakvetadze (now with Watford). Yet the most internationally recognized name in Georgia is Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
LIKELY ALIGNMENTS FOR GEORGIA VS. SPAIN
Georgia: Mamardashvili; Gocholeishvili, Dvali, Sazonov, Kashia, Azarov; Kiteishvili, Gagnidze, Davitashvili, Kvaratskhelia; Mikautadze.
Spain: Unai Simon or Kepa; Carvajal, Laporte or Pau Torres, Le Normand, Gaya; Rodri, Merino; Olmo, Gavi, Asensio and Morata or Joselu.
OFFICIAL | WE HAVE ALREADY STARTED!!
This is the lineup Luis de la Fuente chose to start the match against Scotland.
Let’s go for another victory!! #VamosEspaña | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/wUpWcFvBeN
— Spanish football team (@SEFutbol) March 28, 2023
WHEN AND WHERE IS GEORGIA VS. SPAIN
THE CALLS FOR GEORGIA VS. SPAIN
Lamine Yamal stands out as the biggest novelty in De la Fuente’s selection. The FC Barcelona winger is just 16 and this marks his first call-up to the absolute squad. Also notable is the first inclusion for Álex Baena, from Villarreal.
“Lamine Yamal’s age gives me no doubt whatsoever. For me, Lamine is exceptional; age is not a barrier. Players at his stage progress faster than others. He deserves the chance to keep growing; he has a lot ahead,” De la Fuente said.
On the injury and absence front, it is worth noting that neither Ansu Fati, Nacho Fernández, Fran García, Juan Bernat, Jesús Navas (injured), Sergio Canales, nor Yeremi Pino were included this time around.
Source: Goal