With less than 80 days remaining until the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente is increasingly settling on a defensive lineup that appears to be taking shape. The core of that defense—Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte at center-back, with Marcos Llorente and Marc Cucurella as the fullbacks—combines experience, youth, and the ability to build play from the back. This quartet is beginning to look like the first-choice back four for La Roja.
De la Fuente has experimented extensively with defensive pairings since taking the helm, particularly in the central positions. Prior to recent matches, he utilized four different center-back combinations in just seven qualifying games. The manager initially paired Robin Le Normand with Dean Huijsen against Bulgaria and Turkey in September. He then shifted to Cubarsí and Le Normand versus Georgia, followed by Le Normand and Laporte in October against Bulgaria. November’s matches against Georgia and Turkey saw Cubarsí partnered with Laporte. However, the pairing of Laporte and Cubarsí in the recent friendly against Serbia suggests a clear direction and allows the Athletic Club defender to solidify his position heading into the tournament.
De la Fuente has consistently expressed his enthusiasm for the young Barcelona defender, Cubarsí. “Everyone who has seen Pau Cubarsí play has any doubts about the player removed,” he stated. The manager views the 19-year-old as a key component of his World Cup plans, believing that “we are not surprised by anything he is doing or what he can do. We know he has great potential, and we do not look at age, but at performance.”
If Cubarsí represents the future of the Spanish defense, Laporte embodies the present. De la Fuente has been equally emphatic about the importance of the center-back to his tactical vision. “He is one of the central defenders who best develops the idea we have. He does it perfectly. It’s a luxury,” De la Fuente said. He believes Laporte “offers us great ball distribution, filtering passes, and leadership. He is remarkably complete. Technically he is exceptional and changes direction, filters passes…”
While the central pairing appears settled, several other players are vying for a place in the squad. Dean Huijsen, who hasn’t been a regular starter for Spain since September, faces an uphill battle, particularly given his recent form with Real Madrid. Robin Le Normand, who featured in multiple combinations during qualifying, remains in contention, though he hasn’t been a consistent presence in recent squads. The emergence of Mosquera, who made his debut against Serbia, and the option of Dani Vivian add further depth to the central defensive options.
The full-back positions also seem relatively secure. Marcos Llorente has established himself as the first-choice right-back, while Marc Cucurella remains the preferred option on the left. Pedro Porro, who started the first four qualifying matches, appears to have lost ground since being substituted at halftime against Georgia, with Llorente cementing his place in the team.
Llorente’s resurgence is particularly noteworthy. Having been largely absent from the national team following the last World Cup, and often limited to minimal playing time, he has regained De la Fuente’s trust through consistent performances and versatility. “He is a very complete footballer who interprets, understands, and develops football very well. In any of the positions in which he plays, whether as a right-back, midfielder, or even a wing-back, as we have seen at Atlético de Madrid, he does everything well,” De la Fuente commented after the match against Serbia. “He offers a lot of things.”
Cucurella’s importance extends beyond his on-field performance. De la Fuente values his character and personality within the squad. “I have a great appreciation for Cucurella. I like him, he is a very cheerful, very fun person,” the manager explained. “He reminds me a lot of myself because of that spark, that joy,” he confessed, highlighting the importance he places on the team’s dynamic and atmosphere.
De la Fuente’s approach isn’t solely focused on technical ability; he also prioritizes team cohesion, energy, and balance within the dressing room. He even joked about Llorente’s influence, stating, “Everyone is sunbathing like him; he influences everyone a lot.”
Competition remains for the full-back spots, however. Pedro Porro could challenge Llorente for the right-back position, although his recent form hasn’t been as assured. Álex Grimaldo, playing for Bayer Leverkusen, faces a tougher task to displace Cucurella on the left.
With just months remaining before the tournament begins, De la Fuente appears to have a clear vision for his defense: Llorente, Laporte, Cubarsí, and Cucurella. A backline that offers a blend of ball-playing ability, pace, youth, and experience. If all goes according to plan, this will be the defense that represents Spain this summer.
Spain will face Cabo Verde in a crucial pre-World Cup friendly on June 15th in Atlanta. This match will provide a final opportunity for De la Fuente to assess his team and fine-tune his tactics before the tournament begins. Fans can stay updated on the latest team news and schedules through the official Spanish Football Federation website.
What are your thoughts on De la Fuente’s preferred defensive lineup? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
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