Spain vs Germany - 5 key battles | UEFA Nations League 2020-21

Spain and Germany's clash in the Nations League on Tuesday night will pit some of the top players in Europe against each other.
Spain and Germany's clash in the Nations League on Tuesday night will pit some of the top players in Europe against each other.

#3 Rodri vs Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos had the best passing accuracy in La Liga in the 2019-20 campaign
Toni Kroos had the best passing accuracy in La Liga in the 2019-20 campaign

Another midfield battle that awaits us when Spain and Germany clash in their must-win Nations League showdown is that between Manchester City's Rodri and Real Madrid's Toni Kroos.

While Rodri is more of a defensive midfielder and will be key to cutting short Germany's attacking build-up, Kroos will have the burden of creating the chances for the visitors and will likely be challenged by the former Atletico Madrid man.

Both players will be making a comeback in the starting XI after Sergio Busquets was ruled out for Spain with an injury, while Kroos has served a one-game suspension and will be raring to go.

This duel is set to be more of a tactical battle, and given how both players stay back while others go for glory, most of us might even fail to notice this contest.


# Sergio Reguilon vs Leroy Sane

Leroy Sane scored his first goal since 2019 for Germany against Ukraine
Leroy Sane scored his first goal since 2019 for Germany against Ukraine

Tottenham Hotspur left-back Sergio Reguilon is expected to feature for Spain in absence of regular starter Jose Gaya. He will have the important task of keeping a now fully fit and firing Leroy Sane quiet.

Reguilon proved his worth as one of the best left-backs in Europe last season during a wonderful campaign with Sevilla, though he was more effective offensively than in the defence. He will have to fight his instinct to surge forward on the flanks, as he will have no chance against Sane if the Bayern Munich man takes the ball in his stride.

Sane has been involved in five goals in his five Bundesliga appearance, and found the back of the net in Germany's previous game against Ukraine. On the flip side, Sane's weak defensive contribution leaves the room open for Reguilon to move into dangerous positions and deliver pin-point crosses.


#1 Sergio Ramos vs Timo Werner

Timo Werner and Sergio Ramos will be key for their teams in the Nations League fixture.
Timo Werner and Sergio Ramos will be key for their teams in the Nations League fixture.

Whenever Spain play a game, all eyes are on their captain Sergio Ramos. The centre-back recently became the most capped European player in history in Spain's 1-1 draw against Switzerland, but he marked that occasion with not one but two missed penalties.

Though the Real Madrid defender has been making a name for himself as a full-fledged goal-scorer, he is still a top centre-back and will have to lead his side against a dangerous Germany front three led by the in-form Timo Werner.

The Chelsea striker has found the back of the net in his last five games for club and country, including a brace against Sweden. He will be the focal point for Joachim Löw's side and stopping him might just be enough for Spain to dethrone Germany from the top of the Group A4 standings.

This will be a battle between Werner's pace and youth versus Ramos' strength and experience. Whoever wins this contest could lead his team to the UEFA Nations League finals.


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