LConsidering the defense of selection is usually a hereditary process. Sergio Ramosthe last ‘big boss’, took over from Carles Puyolwhich at the same time had taken it from Ferdinand Iron. When that chain has failed, deep potholes have occurred. Like the 2004 Euro, in which Spain was presented without a leader in the axis of its defense.
Thursday marks one year since the last game of Sergio Ramos with Spain, 180. What seemed like a void has been covered Aymeric Laporte in a process rarely seen before: that of a central defender who had not been part of the national team and who has become the head of the Spanish defense in just 14 games.
The changing of the guard in command of Spain’s defense has resulted in the team’s return to the European elite thanks to the Euro semi-finals and the Nations League final.
In Riazor it reaches Laporte tonight the 15 games with the national team, a path that last week defined the defender of the Manchester City: “It is one of the best experiences of my life.” After not playing against Albania for the first time since his debut with the national team, tonight he will command the Spanish defense again. Because Laporte is the boss of the defense.
The pivot that ceased to be
Mark Llorente he was a central midfielder, but the position in which he established himself as an elite player a long time ago is secondary to him. In that position he signed a dazzling season in the Alaveswhich earned him to return to Real Madrid. In white, the little space they gave him was in that area of the field.
However, the explosion that led Marcos Llorente to the national team came at Atlético de Madrid when Simeone discovered his ability to break lines and score goals, first, and then to occupy the right back or the position of lane.
The first call of the national team came in November 2020, to debut in the amsterdam arena. But never place him in the plans Luis Enrique He’s been at defensive pivot.
That may change tonight against Iceland. The absence of Busquets, whom the coach decided to rest with his sights set on June, left Rodri alone in that position. The axis of Manchester City he played the whole match against Albania, so it is very likely that he will be on the bench today. Koke he can do those functions, but the player who best adapts and knows the work in that area is Marcos Llorente. Another way is Guillamon‘5’ in Valencia but here called as central.
Llorente he has not played with the national team since the 1-2 against Kosovo in pristine. In October and November he was injured.
