World Cup 2018: 3 changes to the starting line-up that will make Spain unstoppable

Group B has been the most entertaining group in this World Cup thus far. Spain and Portugal are through to the knockout stages, whilst both have finished the group stage unbeaten. La Roja will play against hosts Russia in the Round of 16, while Portugal are set to face Uruguay with a quarter-final place up for grabs.

Fernando Hierro was seen as the ideal replacement at such short notice when Spain sacked Julen Lopetegui, but it is obvious to see the side miss him. Hierro, with limited managerial experience to his name, is keen to facilitate rather than manage and has not made any significant changes since being appointed.

They are playing the same football, arguably possess the best midfield present at the World Cup but appear disorganised and flawed under Hierro's guidance.

If Spain are serious about winning the World Cup, then Hierro must be brave enough to make big decisions going forward. So with that in mind, here's a look at three changes in the starting line-up that would boost their chances of going all the way next month.

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#1 Cesar Azpilicueta IN, Gerard Pique OUT

Hierro should consider dropping Gerard Pique for Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta

Spain have not been convincing in defence thus far during the World Cup. They have already conceded five goals in three matches, which is disappointing to say the least. Manchester United's David de Gea, heralded as one of the world's best goalkeepers, only managed one save in the group stages.

Hierro started with Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique as his first-choice centre-back pairing. It's clear that the latter struggles with pace while the former is prone to errors and himself does not exude confidence in a defensive sense.

With that in mind, Hierro should consider dropping Pique for Azpilicueta going forward. Cesar is Chelsea's most consistent performer and has established himself as one of the Premier League's best defenders in recent seasons.

Cesar in action during a recent training session

A versatile player who can cover several positions across the backline, he started all but one of the Blues' 38 league matches last season under Antonio Conte and it's an unwelcome surprise that we are yet to see him perform in Russia.

#2 Koke IN, Thiago Alcantara OUT

Koke is required in Spain's midfield to add more stability

It's clear to see that Spain lack protection in midfield. Hierro must realise that playing Andres Iniesta, David Silva, Isco and Thiago all together cannot function against better sides as they are all too creative-minded. He needs an engine within that quartet, Koke is the perfect option in that regard.

Koke only started their first group game against Portugal. Since then, a 20-minute cameo during the 1-0 win over Iran and an unused substitute against Morocco, the Atletico man needs to be utilised more in future.

Bayern's Thiago Alcantara got his first World Cup start against the east Africans last time out. Despite being a joy to watch from a creative sense, he's not the perfect partner for Sergio Busquets - which is why Koke must be recalled to the starting line-up.

He's a better fit in Spain's system, being able to read the game well whilst offering composure in possession from deep areas as well as defensive support and increased mobility, which is desperately needed. Busquets himself said earlier this week that Koke is his ideal partner and the fact that Spain are more prone to committing individual mistakes means he'd provide extra stability in the centre of midfield.

#3 Marco Asensio IN, David Silva OUT

David Silva, despite his creative genius, does not have the pace required to play effectively out on the wing

You could argue that Spain possess the World Cup's best midfield, but they also have too many talented playmakers who would rather pass than shoot in promising positions.

Their tiki-taka style of play still remains, though they also need speedy wingers to take players on and add another dimension to their play. David Silva, for all his creative brilliance, is not that man.

He can still impact a game from a wide position, though not as effectively as if he were in the number ten role or a deep-lying playmaker. That's why Marco Asensio should start in place of Silva going forward, as he'd definitely offer something different in the final third.

Asensio (no.20) has made two appearances off the substitutes' bench, but deserves to start on the flank

This season, Asensio made 53 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions. He scored 11 goals and created six assists, so why not give him an opportunity to showcase himself on the international scene?