Spain’s Nations League Strategy: Barcelona’s Key Role and Striker Debate

Luis de la Fuente’s plans for the UEFA Nations League are taking shape, and one thing is already clear: Spain will lean heavily on Barcelona again – but there are still a couple of big calls to make.

Midfield: Fermin back, Gavi waiting

The main tweak in midfield is straightforward. Fermin Lopez is expected to step in for Gavi, who will miss the opening game at Wembley through suspension. It’s another setback in a difficult spell for Gavi, who also lost his starting place at Barcelona after the injury he suffered at the start of La Liga against Elche.

De la Fuente’s view of him has not changed, though. He rates Gavi highly and will keep him firmly in the frame once he’s available again. No one inside the camp is writing him off.

A vacant seat up front

The real debate lies in attack. Compared with the World Cup-winning squad, there is one empty chair in the forward line: the third striker.

Mikel Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres are locked in. Their tickets are stamped. The doubt comes over the role previously occupied by Borja Iglesias, who began the season with a soleus muscle problem and has barely featured since. His lack of minutes has opened the door.

Behind that established pair, a group of young forwards are sprinting towards the opportunity. Sergio Camello, Roberto, Espi and Gonzalo are all in contention to claim that final attacking berth. One of them could find his name suddenly on a senior Spain teamsheet when the squad is announced.

Tight lists, heavy schedule

The Nations League brings its own constraints. Only 23 players can be registered for the group stage, down from the 26 allowed in the final rounds. The margin for error shrinks.

Even so, with four matches crammed into the window, De la Fuente is expected to widen the pool around that core. Rotation will not be a luxury; it will be a necessity.

Barcelona as the backbone

At club level, Barcelona are set to provide the backbone of this Spain side. Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Rodri and Lamine Yamal are all considered certainties for the list.

Gavi and Fermin Lopez could join them once the suspension is served and form is assessed, while Xavi Espart is another name in the mix. If everything breaks their way, Spain could line up with as many as 10 Barcelona players in the squad – a throwback to earlier eras when the national team wore a distinctly blaugrana accent.

A demanding start

Spain’s campaign begins under the arch at Wembley, against England in London on 26 September. Three days later, Croatia come to Seville, a test of nerve and depth in the Andalusian heat.

Then comes a trip north to Oviedo to face the Czech Republic on 3 October, before a return meeting with Croatia in Split on the 6th to close the window.

By then, the questions hanging over that third striker slot – and just how far Barcelona’s influence will stretch – will have concrete answers. And Spain will know whether this new Nations League journey is building towards another trophy run, or a harder road ahead.