Luis de la Fuente’s possible list for Euro 2024 friendlies | Relief
The EuroCup is approaching and in a month there will be a key moment: Luis de la Fuente’s final list before the final. Spain dispute two high-profile friendlies in March (22 and 26) against Colombia (in London) and Brazil (at the Bernabeu) this will help clarify the few doubts that currently haunt the coach. If there are no rollbacks, then the main part of the call (about 90%) is well defined.
At the moment, the Rioja native’s main concern is overcoming his injuries, a problem that worries him almost every week. The final panic came from Maura, who turned on all the alarms with knee injury that finally remained a minor problem (he will be out for about two weeks). The Red and Whites are a key player in La Roja thanks to his contribution on and off the pitch as he is captain and has created a wonderful harmony with De la Fuente.
Line by line, there are few places unless there are injuries. Starting with the goal, Kepa’s replacement at Real cleared up the mystery because the doubts were between the Real player and Remiro (Simon and Raya are undeniable). The player from Real Sociedad, although he did not make his debut, left very good impressions in the last concentration (Arrizabalaga dropped out due to injury) and He will be on the March list and also at the Eurocup.
In defence, De la Fuente welcomed the return of Inigo Martinez, a centre-back he loves. Also back is Pau Torres, who suffered an ankle injury (he was in the squad against United, although he did not play), and the starting pairing is very certain: Le Normand and Laporte. In addition, David Garcia has the confidence of the coach, Nacho is spending a lot of time at Real Madrid, and Eric Garcia is having a great year at Girona. This means that the central position, one of those that has been causing the most headaches lately, is perfectly covered. Le Normand and Laporte start, while De la Fuente has alternative guarantees for the other two places.
On the sides there are four that start with an advantage: Carvajal, Jesus Navas, Gaia and Grimaldo. Moreover, both sides have options if one of them falls, despite the untimely loss of Balde. On the right, Pedro Porro is again at a very good level, while on the left, Miguel Gutierrez (Girona) and Fran Garcia (Real Madrid) are reliable alternatives.
Rodrigo, key
The clearest position is probably that of a defensive pivot: Rodrigo is undisputed, as is his substitute (Zubimendi). In addition, Merino and Fabian complement each other perfectly with the City player (the Andalusian has already recovered from a shoulder injury). The replacement is Aleix Garcia, who was on the last run and left a very good impression. Sunset and Riquelme were also called up in November. On the other hand, De la Fuente hopes to finally reinstate Pedri, who has so far failed to make any list since the change to the bench.
Main overbooking He takes on an attacking position because the reduction in the list of call-ups for the European Cup (he returns to the usual 23) puts a lot of pressure on everyone. During the last call-up, Dani Olmo and Asensio, who enjoy the manager’s confidence and are now back, were out injured due to injury, while Brahim’s performances at Real Madrid make him a strong candidate to be one of the new signings in March. To them we must add Ferran Torres, Lamin Yamal, Oyarzabal, Nico Williams or new talents such as Isaac Romero (Sevilla). The bottom line is that not all of them are suitable and De la Fuente will have huge problems making the final list.
In attack, the coach found in Mora and Joselu the perfect balance for the “nine” position, and Uncertainty about what to do with Borja Mayoral (15 goals already in the league), a striker he knows well from his youth days and who knocks loudly on the door.
With all these ingredients on the table, De la Fuente, who was planting trees in Doñana last Monday while still making a list, asks only that there be no setbacks in the form of injuries. after the disappointment he suffered due to the serious knee injury that Gavi suffered in Spain’s last game. The call, in the absence of nuances, is very specific and it is very difficult to find good news in the following lists.
