Luis de la Fuente has stated that Spain’s midfield is “almost on the same level” as that of the 2010 World Cup-winning squad. As the team readies for a high-stakes round-of-16 match against Portugal in Dallas, de la Fuente believes their current midfield ranks among the best in the world, a sentiment echoed following Spain’s recent 3-0 victory over Austria.
With this statement, De la Fuente positions Spain firmly in the Champions League narrative, asserting confidence in his squad as they prepare to face Portuguese stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo. The match is set to be a crucial encounter as both teams have a storied history in knockout competitions.
Spain’s Midfield Compared to 2010 Legends
Speaking to The Guardian, de la Fuente praised both current and past midfielders, likening the current crop—featuring talents like Rodri, Pedri, and Gavi—to legends such as Xavi and Iniesta. He acknowledged the 2010 midfield’s domination but firmly believes in the potential of his current players to exert similar influence on the game.
Pedri: The “Magician” of La Roja
De la Fuente highlighted Pedri’s exceptional abilities, describing him as a “magician” capable of completing intricate tasks with apparent ease. “He does things that are extremely difficult and it seems easy,” he remarked, underscoring the young midfielder’s role as a key player for Spain in their quest for glory.
Ronaldo: A Focus for Gavi and Spain’s Strategy
As Spain looks to navigate past Portugal, Gavi acknowledged the weight of facing Ronaldo. Despite criticisms leveled at the iconic forward, Gavi expressed great respect for him as a player capable of changing the tide of a match at any moment. The team is determined to adhere to their game plan and work collectively to overcome their formidable opponents.
The SportiveNews view
Spain’s confidence in their midfield echoes a strong belief in their potential to challenge for the title. With the echoes of past glories in the air, the focus now lies on execution. How they manage to channel this midfield talent against a Portugal side led by Ronaldo could determine their fate in the tournament.
Frequently asked questions
What did Luis de la Fuente say about Spain’s midfield?
Luis de la Fuente believes that Spain’s current midfield is “almost on the same level” as the one that won the World Cup in 2010, highlighting the exceptional quality and depth of his current squad.
How did Spain perform in their last match before facing Portugal?
Spain secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Austria in the last 32, which has set the stage for their upcoming clash against Portugal in the knockout phase.
What is Gavi’s perspective on Cristiano Ronaldo?
Gavi expressed respect for Ronaldo, acknowledging him as one of the best players in history and emphasising that those on his team hold him in high regard, despite any external criticism.
Source: Based on reporting from The Guardian. SportiveNews rewrote and analysed the story independently for football readers.
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