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For clubs, planning a line of progression for players in each position is a complicated, yet inherently controlled, task that can be incredibly rewarding and allows them to stay ahead of their rivals.
For national teams, however, this task becomes even more complex. When it comes time for major international tournaments, the final final line-ups often reflect not only the philosophy of a footballing nation, but also an important element of fortune.
Spain, however, is in a unique situation of strength, especially after its recent triumphs at both senior and youth levels, but completely different. The Red over the last decade – it is in their central defense position where they have some of their best up-and-coming talent.
Your operationPresent and future things in that position have no end.
Starting with those currently available to coach Luis dand the Source, with the highest ranking being Aymeric Laporte, born in France, the center back with the highest number of international matches within the current configuration.
Aymeric Laporte with a little more magic on the ball, almost got an assist!
It’s so good, man. He remains unstoppable for Spain, even at his age.
He and Vivian look good so far. Great stylistic combination for Spain. pic.twitter.com/xSEuGTIAd9
—Michael (@LaLigaMichael) October 12, 2024
The current Al-Nassr center was the most wanted by dand the Fuente, during his successful Euro 2024 campaign, and when playing for his nation, often has responsibility for the ball game. Laporte averaged the highest number of accurate passes of his compatriots during the last Nations League qualifying series (64.8 per 90 minutes).
He’s not just an eco-friendly ball recycler, however, as he often has the responsibility of making the first incision through the lines, ranking in the top 4% of centre-backs in the most recent Euro for progressive passes (7, 89 by 90). Now 30 years old, and despite the fact that his international career only began four years ago, Laporte appears to be heading into his final tournament cycle. the Fuente has many options to succeed him.
His partner Robin Le Normand, also born in France, and like Laporte, also plied his trade in the Basque Country before taking the step. The pair complemented each other well at this summer’s Euros, with Laporte the more active passer and Le Normand the more aggressive defender.
Within a high defensive line, d trusts the 28-year-old player.and the Fuente will come in third in midfield, with confidence generated by his resilience. In the Euro Cup, Le Normand attempted 1.63 tackles every 90 minutes played, compared to 0.52 for Laporte.
As for another contender, Basque-born Dani Vivián has slipped into the middle of a very impressive campaign at the heart of Athletic Club’s defense this season.
If his 8 games with Spain under dand the Fuente hasn’t put him firmly in his mind for national team selection, so surely his stellar performances in La Liga will do the job. His display of physical dominance against Kylian Mbappé during the 2-1 win in December was the perfect example.
Clearly capable of locking down the best attacking talent in world football, Vivian has an air of elegance when she plays. Whether in physical battles, where he frequently prevails, managing to tackle 70.8% of La Liga dribblers during the current campaign. He also looks very good on the ball, where for both club and country he is the quarterback of the many willing runners ahead of them, ranking within the top 13% of center backs in La Liga in terms of progressive passing.
At 25 years old, Vivian’s international career is just beginning and his attributes make him perfect for that style. Of the Source aims to play.
dand the Fuente is already eager to incorporate the future into his current roster choices. Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi became a revelation when he joined Xavi’s defensive system during last season’s clean sheet struggles, and exuded composure beyond his mere 17 years. His performances with the Catalan team have earned him five international caps for Spain to date, all of them under the current coach.
A member of the incredible La Masia crop that is experiencing prosperous growth under the direction of Hansi Flick, Cubarsi is the best passer Spain has at its disposal, in volume and quality.
He is constantly involved in repurposing possession for his teammates, and in La Liga, the youngster ranks top among centre-backs in medium-length passes (15 to 30 yards). Beyond that, his trademark ability to cut through opposition lines, finding a variety of short and long options within Barcelona’s set-up, is a skill that translates perfectly to the national team.
As for his off-the-ball quality, he is quite tenacious and happy to get into midfield to coax an attacker away from goal, but what will especially please the Fuente is his judgment on when to go into a high defensive line, as seen in his time with Flick. Curiously, being the youngest in that structure, he is also the one who establishes the defensive line: a future leader.
It is understandable that due to its age and the options currently available, dand the Fuente fears rushing him into international action, and Cubarsi was unlucky not to have been chosen in the Euro 2024 squad, making it to the preliminary edition.
The latest Spanish centre-back to emerge during the 2024/25 season is the only man on this list who has not made a professional appearance for his newly declared homeland. Born in Holland, developed in Spain and Italy, and now a vital player in former Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola’s so far successful attempts to bring a taste of Vallecas to Bournemouth, Dean Huijsen has a very bright future.
Huijsen, who is the tallest player on this list at six feet, five inches, has a slightly different role compared to other current and future prospects. The 19-year-old is required to be a little more direct in his game as Iraola looks to keep up the frenetic phases, but since moving he has been in the eye of the storm.
He is incredibly active, whether defending in the air (2.66 aerial duels won per 90), or on the field (2.07 interceptions per 90). Huijsen has recently used his lanky robotic frame in an attacking sense, scoring twice in the Cherries’ victories over Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Having played for the under-21s, Huijsen is not far away from a first-team debut, and with De la Fuente’s desire to progress his Spanish team, this will surely come during the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
It looks like the latter two will take over for the next few cycles and the best part is that once they are trusted, they will be in charge for years to come. Even the next dawn of prospects could bring them greater joy, an example is Joan Martínez, who has not yet distinguished himself at Real Madrid.
Spain has its central defense-shaped ducks perfectly aligned, and that could seal another period of dominance.
