Forwards
RW: Pedro Rodriguez
LW: David Silva
ST: Diego Costa
Without an out and out winger in Jesus Navas in their squad, Pedro’s pace and tendency to keep his width is sure to lend Spain a different dimension going forward. And he’s got goals in him, something that Spain badly missed in their World Cup winning campaign in 2010.
David Silva has enjoyed a fantastic season under Manuel Pellegrini for Manchester City and looks set to get the nod over Cesc Fabregas or Santi Cazorla. And with Silva cutting in from the left, Jordi Alba’s forward dashes could offer Spain a directness to their offensive play.
No position will come under the scanner more than who starts upfront for Spain. They have Diego Costa, Fernando Torres and David Villa in their squad and del Bosque could also turn to former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas in the false 9 role. Diego Costa, if it, is sure to get the nod over Torres or Villa. Costa has been in scintillating form off late, scoring 35 goals in all competitions for Atletico Madrid last season. Costa is clinical in front of goal, and his physicality and ability in the air only adds to the tiki-taka brand that Spain like to play. And for a team that won the World Cup with three consecutive 1-0’s last time around, a few goals from their frontman wouldn’t hurt their cause.
Prediction:
Spain head into Brazil as one of the favorites to claim the ultimate prize, but they have shown enough signs of vulnerability to keep the other teams interested. The World Cup in Brazil will almost certainly be the last hurrah for a golden generation who have won two Euros and a World Cup. And with Andres Iniesta, Xavi and David Silva in their ranks, don’t put it past the La Roja to paint the town red come July 13 in Rio.