Spain Player Ratings vs Croatia

De la Fuente marshalled his troops like a tactical mastermind, making several changes from the team that beat England without compromising the flow of the side. Here are my ratings for the Spanish players.

GK: Unai Simon- 6/10

Really not much to say. Simon was a spectator for much of the match, content to just chill and watch admire Spain’s casual supremacy. Could do little about Beljo’s powerful header and did make a save. His distribution was solid.

RB: Marc Pubill- 8/10

Marc Pubill underscored his excellent recent form with a maiden goal for his country,  heading home after a cleverly worked short-corner routine. In the process, he became the first Atletico defender to score for Spain since Juanfran in 2013 (that was a throwback). Was defensively robust throughout.

CB: Pau Cubarsi- 7/10

Yamal gets all the ‘wise beyond his years’ plaudits. But let’s not forget the poise and authority that fellow Barca teenager Cubarsi brings to the party. Cubarsi dealt with Beljo’s physical threat tremendously, while his progressive passing was a feature of the side.

CB: Dean Huijsen- 6/10

Huijsen was an able partner for Cubarsi. He looked solid in the air and generally read Croatia’s minimal attacks quite well. Just never quite gave off the same aura that Cubarsi did.

LB: Marc Cucurella- 7/10

That was a typical all-action performance from Cucurella. He overlapped with commendable vigour, always willing to sacrifice himself with off-the-ball movement. He balanced out his offensive duties by always being quick to snuff out any Croatian counters.

CM: Martin Zubimendi- 7/10

Zubimendi has found himself on the periphery of Arteta’s plans and needed a strong performance to get his compatriot’s attention. And he mostly delivered, dictating the tempo of the match in his unassuming manner. It was a performance of quiet dominance. Still, I don’t think it will give Rodri sleepless nights.

CM: Fabian Ruiz- 7/10

Fabian Ruiz gave another steady, workmanlike performance playing alongside Zubimendi in the double pivot. His lung-busting box-to-box qualities are not as eye-catching as Pedri’s technical wizardry. But one shouldn’t underestimate how important he is to the side. The PSG midfielder’s endless work rate gives the likes of Yamal and Baena the license to constantly attack.

AM: Fermin Lopez- 6/10

Fermin was perhaps not quite as impactful as he would have liked to have been in his first start for La Roja. The Barca huffed and puffed and had a few chances to find his way onto the scoresheet. He needs to learn a bit more composure if he wants to seriously challenge Dani Olmo for that attacking midfield berth.

RW: Lamine Yamal- 10/10

Yamal is the type of player who will enrich a football scribe’s vocabulary. How do you keep up with his level of brilliance? The winger was at his mesmeric best against Croatia last night, netting two goals and picking up an assist to make it 18 g/a in ten appearances for club and country this season. He scored the opener after just two minutes, striking a swerving left-footed effort from the right channel. He then teed up Marc Pubilla with an exquisitely flighted ball into the box just after the half-hour mark. Yamal completed his scoreboard destruction in the 63rd minute, putting the finishing touches to a clinically worked team move. Gvardiol will be having acid flashbacks of this night for some time to come.

LW: Alex Baena- 7/10

Yamal will suck up all the oxygen for his brain-melting display down that right-hand side. But spare a little thought for the effervescent Baena. He was the man who orchestrated that dagger of an opener, finding Yamal within two minutes after some strong play down the left. He was a constant headache down that left-hand side.

ST: Mikel Oyarzabal- 5/10

Led the line tirelessly and had a goal ruled out for offside. Yeah, he just didn’t really connect with the team last night. It’s the

Subs

Pedri: 57th minute for Fermin Lopez- 8/10

Pedri made an almost immediate impact off the bench, setting up Yamal with a wonderfully weighted ball. Caught up to the tempo of the match with startling ease.

Mikel Merino: 57th minute for Fabian Ruiz- 7/10

Merino- like all the subs- fitted into the pace of the game with consummate ease. The Arsenal utility man provided an excellent assist for Williams’ goal and should be pleased with his performance.

Victor Munoz: 68th minute for Lamine Yamal- 6/10

You are always on a hiding to nothing coming on for a player in generational form. He almost scored with a header immediately after entering the fray. Fitted in well without standing out.

Nico Williams: 68th minute for Alex Baena- 7/10

Mercurial winger Nico Williams may be one of the more frustrating players in all European football. But the Bilbao winger took his opportunity last night, firing in a crisp, low shot to make it 4-1 for La Roja. The depth of this squad is truly something else.

Rodri- 71st minute for Martin Zubimendi- 6/10

Rodri came on to see the game out and did so with aplomb, keeping possession ticking over without needing to get out of first gear. Was giving alpha-veteran vibes last night.