Spain coach tries to find a way to play both of Barcelona’s superstars in midfield

The reigning European Champions return to action later this week as Spain begin their campaign in the UEFA Nations League.

Drawn alongside Serbia, Denmark and Switzerland, La Roja will have their work cut out for them with three tricky opponents.

Luis de la Fuente has called up four Barcelona stars for the event with Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres all making the cut. The dilemma for the manager, however, lies in his selection of the midfield.

A clash of systems
The Spanish tactician won the recently concluded Euros deploying a 4-2-3-1 setup that showed remarkable stability and versatility. With Yamal and Williams occupying the wings, that left room for three midfielders.

Rodri and Fabian Ruiz served as his first-choice double pivot, while Pedri occupied a role as an attacking midfielder behind the striker.

The 2021 Golden Boy winner did a fabulous job in the position until his tournament was cut short by Toni Kroos’ rash tackle. The player who replaced him in the lineup, Dani Olmo, went on to finish as the top scorer.