Dermot Corrigan
De la Fuente gets his rotation right
De la Fuente has a good poker face. He said before the match he would pick the best team to win this game. Well, maybe making 10 changes was part of a bold tactical masterplan, though it seems unlikely.
But rotating a squad always comes with risks. It is effectively a trade, protecting the legs of your first-choice XI while risking the cohesiveness of the whole. There are effectively two outcomes: firstly, that a team that has not played together before looks disjointed and struggles, or second, that reserve players embrace the opportunity to make their case.
Against Albania, De la Fuente’s squad achieved the latter — which is testament to the spirit he has built in this group. He has made a point of selecting individuals who are desperate to play for Spain, and who know their roles.
That doesn’t stop them pushing themselves mind. Olmo was the best example of a player who showed his ability — he ran the game from the No 10 role, playing with an evident joy. He put shape on his passes like an impressionist painting waves, played flicks around the corner because they were both functional and beautiful. His assist for Torres’ goal was the perfect example, a geometric angle which Piet Mondrian would have been pleased with.
Dani Olmo has recorded four assists across his seven European Championship matches. Only Cesc Fabregas (five) has more on record for Spain (Hollandse Hoogte/Gerrit van Keulen/ ANP via Getty Images)
If Spain progress deep into the competition, Olmo’s versatility offers them multiple ways to play — he can operate as a No 8, No 10, on the wing, or even as a false nine. Mikel Merino, playing alongside Martin Zubimendi, also impressed with his positioning both around the Albania box and while covering in defence.
Teams need depth to win major tournaments — Spain have shown they have plenty of it.
Jacob Whitehead
Farewell Albania, you’ve been fun
So, it is time to say goodbye. It’s been a whirlwind nine-day romance, but you had me from when Nedim Bajrami thundered home after less than 60 seconds of your opening game. Who can resist the lesser-seen near-post screamer? The opponents? Only reigning champions Italy.
And how you made us laugh. Fans snapping spaghetti in front of their Italian counterparts? That was one of the first reminders of the importance of supporters at this European Championship, after the Covid-disrupted tournament in 2021.
There have been ups and downs, and the eventual defeat by Italy was one, but in the toughest moments there has also been a lot to like. It would have been easy to quit on this relationship when you went behind to Croatia with two goals in two minutes — but you stayed and you fought. Klaus Gjasula’s 95th-minute equaliser was better than any sonnet or flowers.
Things were tougher against Spain — and that is why our time together has run its course. But if you’re in the United Kingdom and Ireland in four years’ time… text me?
Jacob Whitehead
Recommended reading
(Top photo: Oguz Yeter/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Source link : https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5585052/2024/06/24/albania-spain-euros-analysis/
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Publish date : 2024-06-24 07:00:00
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