Spain’s 2-1 victory over Switzerland in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers on November 17, 2024, showcased both individual brilliance and collective effort, as manager Luis de la Fuente continues to shape his team’s identity. Here’s an individual assessment of Spain’s players and a look at de la Fuente’s tactics during the match.
Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
Unai Simón had a solid performance between the posts. Despite conceding a goal, Simón made crucial saves, particularly in the second half when Switzerland threatened to equalize. His composure under pressure, especially in aerial duels, was notable. While there’s room for improvement in distribution, Simón’s overall contribution was key in securing the win.
Rating: 7/10
Defenders:
- Dani Carvajal
Carvajal was reliable in defense, maintaining his usual high level of intensity and work rate. He provided width on the right, linking up well with the midfielders and wingers. However, he was occasionally caught out of position when Switzerland launched counterattacks.
Rating: 6.5/10
- David García
The central defender was dominant in the air and composed on the ball. His ability to read the game allowed him to intercept key passes from Switzerland. However, his positioning on the Swiss goal was slightly off, which led to the equalizer.
Rating: 7/10
- Aymeric Laporte
Laporte was solid at the back, showcasing his leadership skills with calm and composed defending. His passing from the back was instrumental in Spain’s build-up play. Laporte’s communication with García was strong, but there was an occasional lack of fluidity when pressing higher up the pitch.
Rating: 7.5/10
- José Gayá
Gayá was an offensive outlet on the left, offering pace and creativity going forward. His crosses into the box were dangerous, and he worked well defensively, though he was caught upfield during the Swiss equalizer, leaving Spain exposed at times.
Rating: 7/10
Midfielders:
- Rodri
Rodri controlled the tempo in the center of the park with his usual calmness. He broke up Swiss attacks and provided a shield for the defense. While his passing was accurate, Rodri’s impact in the attacking phase was minimal. Still, his presence was essential for Spain’s midfield stability.
Rating: 7.5/10
- Gavi
Gavi’s energy and pressuring play in midfield were key to Spain’s high pressing system. He was everywhere, constantly breaking up Swiss possession and driving forward. However, his final ball could have been more incisive, as he missed a couple of opportunities to make decisive passes.
Rating: 7/10
- Sergio Busquets
Busquets, while no longer the dynamic force of years past, was still essential for controlling Spain’s midfield. His vision and distribution were evident, setting up several attacks. Busquets’ positioning also helped to regulate Spain’s possession and break down Swiss counters.
Rating: 7/10
Forwards:
- Ferran Torres
Torres showed his versatility in attack, providing width and drifting centrally to get involved in the buildup. He was rewarded with a goal after a well-executed shot that found the back of the net. His movement off the ball was sharp, although he could have been more clinical with other chances.
Rating: 8/10
- Dani Olmo
Olmo’s creativity was apparent throughout the match. His dribbling and vision created several openings for his teammates, and he played a vital role in Spain’s pressing game. However, his final product was lacking, as he missed a key opportunity to increase Spain’s lead.
Rating: 7/10
- Alvaro Morata
Morata was largely effective in leading the line, using his physicality and intelligence to link up play. His goal, which put Spain ahead, was a result of a well-timed run and precise finish. Morata’s decision-making could have been sharper, though, as he missed a few chances.
Rating: 7.5/10
Manager: Luis de la Fuente
Luis de la Fuente’s tactics were evident in Spain’s high pressing game, where his players hunted in packs to regain possession quickly. His decision to field a more fluid attacking setup allowed Spain to be dynamic, with wingers and full-backs pushing high up the pitch. However, his team did show occasional lapses in defensive concentration, particularly during Switzerland’s equalizer. De la Fuente’s willingness to rotate players also ensured that the team remained fresh, but his tactical tweaks, such as a shift in midfield after the equalizer, ensured that Spain regained control.
Rating: 7.5/10
Spain’s 2-1 win against Switzerland highlighted both the positives and areas for growth under Luis de la Fuente’s leadership. Individual performances from Torres, Morata, and Laporte stood out, but there were lapses in defense that allowed Switzerland to capitalize. Moving forward, Spain will need to ensure better consistency in their defensive shape and sharper finishing in attack as they continue their Euro 2024 qualification campaign.