De la Fuente’s puzzling midfield cuts spark debate after Spain’s win as Gavi and Zubimendi miss out

Spain’s win against Uruguay preserves their tournament hopes, yet the triumph is tempered by doubts over Luis de la Fuente’s selections, as two midfielders were either omitted or underused, prompting debate about the coach’s strategy. The result keeps Spain in contention while the manager faces scrutiny.

The match against Uruguay ended in a win for Spain, reinforcing their position in the competition. The result was celebrated but immediately followed by analysis of the squad choices.

Zubimendi remained on the bench throughout the Uruguay match, despite being part of the squad. Rodri, on the other hand, played every minute, a decision reportedly linked to his fatigue after a long season with Arsenal.

Gavi started the earlier fixture against Cape Verde, only to find himself on the bench for the Uruguay encounter without any playing time. His omission added to the uncertainty surrounding De la Fuente’s lineup.

These selections – the exclusion of Zubimendi and the benching of Gavi after his start – were highlighted as striking decisions by Luis de la Fuente. Critics argue that such choices could affect squad cohesion and performance.

Spain will aim to resolve the selection questions before their next match, hoping to blend continuity with tactical flexibility. The upcoming fixture will test whether De la Fuente adjusts his midfield options.