Spain’s squad selection for Euro 2024 reflects the Basque sporting culture and their strong emphasis on teamwork and unity. The concept of ‘cuadrilla’, which represents a close-knit camaraderie, is deeply ingrained in Basque ethos. Coach Luis de la Fuente, who developed his football career with Basque teams like Athletic Club and Real Sociedad, understands the importance of this mentality. This explains why eight players from these Basque teams are represented in the Spanish squad.
De la Fuente’s appointment as coach was met with skepticism initially, especially after Spain’s defeat by Scotland in the European qualifiers. However, just three months later, Spain emerged victorious in the Nations League after beating Croatia on penalties. This success led to the renewal of De la Fuente’s contract until 2026, despite his controversial support for the disgraced former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales.
De la Fuente is known for his democratic leadership style and his willingness to listen to his assistants and team leaders. His preferred formation is 4-2-3-1, but the team’s leader on the pitch, Rodri, prefers to play as a lone midfielder, which pushes Pedri further up the field in a 4-3-3 lineup. Unlike Luis Enrique’s possession-based team in the World Cup, De la Fuente focuses on providing his team with a variety of solutions and alternatives.
Rodri, who plays for Manchester City, has established himself as an indispensable defensive midfielder for both club and country. Despite being Spain’s captain, Alvaro Morata, there is no doubt that Rodri is the team’s true leader. He is known for his focus and dedication, even studying business administration while beginning his professional career with Villarreal at just 19 years old.
Another player to watch in the Spanish squad is Pedri, who has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. Despite these setbacks, Pedri is considered the natural successor to Andres Iniesta and has always been a key part of De la Fuente’s plans. However, the management of his injuries at Barcelona has been criticized, with several instances of him being pushed to play early. Despite these challenges, Pedri remains confident and is in a great moment, as evidenced by his recent performance and two goals against Northern Ireland.
De la Fuente’s squad selection is not just about individual talent but about building a team with a collective spirit and togetherness. Many players in the squad have been with De la Fuente since their successful campaigns in various youth tournaments, showcasing the coach’s trust in the players he knows well. This explains why some players were not included in the final squad.
Spain enters Euro 2024 with high expectations, aiming to bring back the European Championship trophy for the first time since 2012. The team’s collective spirit and growth under De la Fuente make them serious contenders for the title.