Spain's Expected World Cup XI

Spain's 23-Man Squad for Russia
Spain's 23-Man Squad for Russia

Goalkeepers

FBL-WC-2018-ESP-TRAINING
David De Gea is set to start in goal for Spain this summer.

The easiest of all choices for Lopetegui is the goalkeeper. If all goes well and there are no injuries, the first name on the team sheet will be David De Gea. The Manchester United goalkeeper has been outstanding this season, keeping 15 clean sheets in the Premier League, subsequently winning his first Golden Glove in England. Despite his mistake which led to a goal in the friendly against Switzerland, he will start ahead of between the sticks for Spain in their opener against Portugal.

Pepe Reina has been signed by AC Milan from Napoli, per Goal. This move comes after he kept 17 clean sheets in 33 Serie A games this season and helped his team claim the second spot in the league table with 91 points. The 35-year old former Liverpool shot stopper is an excellent back-up goalkeeper and has the experience required to fill in for De Gea.

Considering Reina's age and the fact that the coach likes to go with young talent, it will be fair to say that he is going to Russia just for the sake of it. De Gea's back up will be Kepa Arizzabalaga. The 23-year old is playing in his second season in the Spanish top tier and managed kept 6 clean sheets in 26 appearances for Athletic Bilbao, which is impressive considering the defence that he has infront of him. Before signing a new contract with Athletic, Kepa was linked to Los Blancos. If De Gea is not fit enough to start or they face the likes of Tunisia (no disrespect), Kepa is likely to start ahead of Pepe Reina.

Quick Links

Edited by Moderator -PJ