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Spain welcome Germany to the Estadio La Cartuja on Tuesday night in a UEFA Nations League showdown that will determine which of these highly successful sides join France in the Finals next year.
The two sides last met in the competition opener in September and played out a 1-1 draw. But the stakes are much higher in Tuesday's game, and we expect a conclusive result from what promises to be an enthralling encounter.
Despite a long injury list, both La Furia Roja and Die Mannschaft have a lot of talented players in their ranks at almost every position, and we will be able to witness some interesting player battles on the pitch.
On that note, here we take a look at the five key battles that might determine the outcome of the game between these two former World Cup winners.
#5 Mikel Oyarzabal vs Matthias Ginter
In the absence of Ansu Fati, it is very likely that Spain coach Luis Enrique will opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, in which Mikel Oyarzabal has started as an attacking midfielder on the left. His position will likely pit him against Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Matthias Ginter, who is a centre-back but is expected to start at right-back for Germany.
Oyarzabal starts in a similar position for Real Sociedad in La Liga and should feel right at home in the fixture. He has scored six goals in just nine La Liga appearances so far and has been in good touch in front of the goal, which bodes well for Spain as they desperately need a consistent goal-scorer.
The 23-year-old will have to get past Ginter, who is one of the most underrated defenders in the Bundesliga and can take up any role he's asked to play in the defence. Ginter is a strong, composed defender who has the right skill-set to keep Oyarzabal in check.
#4 Mikel Merino vs Leon Goretzka
The clash between Spain's defensive midfielder Mikel Merino and Germany's box-to-box midfielder Leon Goretzka could prove to be one of the most physical battles on the pitch on Tuesday night, as both players are known for their physical stature.
Merino, another Sociedad player in Enrique's side, has been developing steadily over the last couple of seasons. He is one of the most sought-after midfielders in La Liga, thanks to his timely ball interceptions, aerial prowess and ability to control the ball under pressure.
Though Merino may have only 75% passing accuracy in the league, he averages 4.4 aerial duel wins per game and will add steel to Spain's midfield.
Goretzka has been known for his technical abilities from his days at Schalke, but his physical transformation recently has opened a lot of doors for him. He is now one of the best box-to-box midfielders in Europe due to his improved endurance and strength. The 25-year-old has become of the key members of the national team and was crucial in their win over Ukraine.
Also See: Spain vs Germany prediction, preview, team news and more | UEFA Nations League 2020-21
#3 Rodri vs Toni Kroos
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
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
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.
Also See: Top 5 national teams with the most fans in the world
