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Defenders
The Spanish coach likes to go with a back four in almost every situation, be it ultra attacking or ultra defensive. The Spanish squad is full of unique talent. Azpilicueta and Nacho can fill in for the centre backs as well as full backs while, Nacho Monreal can play as a left back and as a center back if and when required by the team. While they are capable of playing well in all the defensive positions, they will only be used as substitutes in the team.
We'll start with the right side of the defence. Odriozola and Dani Carvajal are the two options for the right back position. The fight for the starting right back will be tough given how good Odriozola has been this season for Real Sociedad. He assisted 4 goals this season in the league and scored 1 in the Europa League, making himself a strong contender for the starting place.
Due to his experience and brilliant performances for the past few years, it will be Dani Carvajal who will start at the right back position, given he is fit and ready after exiting the Champions League final early, and will be tasked with keeping his club teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at bay when Spain face Portugal in their World Cup opener. His form dipped during the season but was pretty solid while defending and brave while attacking towards the end of the season, solidifying his position in the Spanish National team as the first-choice right back. He assisted 3 goals in 8 games in the Champions League and is one of the best full backs in the world. He has been the first choice right back for Madrid since his loan move from Bayern Leverkusen came to an end. Even the highly rated Danilo could not dethrone him from his starting place and was shipped to England after just two seasons with the Whites
Onto the left side now. Jordi Alba will start at the left back position for Spain while Nacho Monreal will be his deputy. Alba has been in great form throughout this season, helping Barcelona win the Spanish League title this season. While his understudy, Lucas Digne was signed by Barcelona to curb down the pressure and responsibility on Alba but he seems to enjoy the responsibility and has performed better since the departure of Neymar. He was not only magnificent while defending, he also made huge contributions while attacking, assisting 8 goals in 30 league games, 4 short of most assists this season. His partnership with Leo Messi produced some great moments this campaign and the Spanish National Team will hope that he continues to perform the same way for them in Russia.
The coach has gone with experience at the heart of the defence. His two centre backs are great defenders, leaders and have been in the game for long enough to master it. Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique troll each other on social media but they form the best central defence duo, by a long margin, of all the available National Team rosters. They play for two of the best clubs in the world and are more experienced than most in the squad. While Pique was defensively strong in the league winning campaign, conceding just 24 goals all season, Ramos helped his team win the Champions League with several outstanding performances. Their numbers speak for themselves and they will start for La Roja this summer at the World Cup.
