The last time Ferran and Rodri shared a locker room at MetLife Stadium, Ferran was still a Barcelona player while Rodri represented Manchester City. Since then, several changes have reshaped the landscape of Spanish football both at club and national levels.
Ferran, having moved on from Barcelona, now joins a cohort including Cucurella, who signed for Real Madrid, Grimaldo, now at Atlético Madrid, and Víctor Muñoz, who transferred to Liverpool. These moves reflect a dynamic period for Spanish players, with Luis de la Fuente’s policy allowing athletes the freedom to negotiate their futures during major tournaments, provided it does not disrupt team harmony.
New Rivalries on the Horizon
While the players prepare to reunite at Las Rozas, the training ground for the Spanish national team, their club allegiances set the stage for fresh rivalries. Despite these shifts, the national team carries an ambitious slogan: “All won, all to win.” Having secured the Nations League, the European Championship, and the World Cup, the Spanish coach understands that maintaining an insatiable hunger for success is essential to prevent complacency within the squad.
De la Fuente, managing the minimal necessary changes, continues to shake up expectations with his selections. Contrary to widespread anticipation of Espí’s inclusion, he opts for Roberto to fill the void left by Borja Iglesias. Additionally, Huijsen, once considered on the edge of the squad, has been recalled to compete alongside Cubarsí and Laporte in defense. The substitution of Fermín for Gavi aligns with pure sporting logic: Fermín, who missed the World Cup due to injury, has started the season impressively, whereas Gavi has faced knee issues.