Four why reasons Spain could win Euro 2024

Sponsored content

As Euro 2024 approaches, debates are starting to occur amongst football fans and pundits alike over who they think could win the sought-after title in Germany. 

Spain are slight underdogs in the Euro 2024 betting at 9/1, but La Roja are gearing up for a compelling campaign that will be challenging from the get-go. 

Despite the absence of key midfielders Pedri and Gavi due to injury, there are still numerous reasons to believe that Spain can emerge victorious under the guidance of manager Luis de la Fuente. 

As we count down the remaining days to Euro 2024, here are four major factors that could propel Spain to victory in Germany. 

1. Tactical flexibility

Many questioned the appointment of de la Fuente given his lack of experience, with even the manager himself previously admitting he was surprised to be appointed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. 

However, under the leadership of de la Fuente, Spain have continued to evolve tactically and are heading back in the right direction after a disappointing exit in the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar under Luis Enrique. 

Known for his adaptability and strategic mind, de la Fuente has successfully blended the traditional Spanish possession-based style with a more direct approach, making the team unpredictable and difficult to defend against. 

Attacking full-backs are a big part of de la Fuente’s tactical nous, while he also likes to deploy a more traditional centre-forward — which goes against the majority of Spain squads in years gone by, who have usually used a false nine. 

1. Depth and rotation

Spain’s squad depth allows them to handle the loss of key players like Pedri and Gavi. De la Fuente has used over 40 players since taking over from Enrique, including giving senior international debuts to over 10 players. 

Real Sociedad defender Robin Le Normand and Real Madrid’s Joselu have emerged as regulars in the Spain squad, along with the likes of Pau Torres of Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabian Ruiz, and Mikel Oyarzabal, a teammate of Le Normand at Sociedad. 

But what makes de la Fuente unique is the aforementioned unpredictability. His knack for chopping and changing the team and using various players in certain positions will make it very difficult for sides to prepare for their matches with Spain at the Euros. 

In fact, de la Fuente played a different XI in all eight of La Roja’s European qualifiers, often making mass changes to the team and using a vast variety of players. 

1. Core squad

While de la Fuente likes rotating his starting XIs, there is still an importance on the core players and the newly formed spin of the team. 

Unai Simon has stepped up as Spain’s number-one goalkeeper and the Athletic Bilbao shot-stopper has been largely impressive between the sticks, while Le Normand has shown at centre-back despite high-profile competition from Aymeric Laporte and Torres. 

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is, undoubtedly, Spain’s most important player. He’s a born leader both on and off the pitch and will be key to La Roja in Germany. 

Alvaro Morata, rejuvenated back at Atletico Madrid, wears the captain’s armband and scored four goals in six games throughout qualifying. He bagged three goals and an assist in four games at the World Cup and will be hoping for another good showing in a big tournament. 

1. Exciting youth

One of the main reasons de la Fuente was entrusted with the responsibility of the senior Spain job was due to his experience and success with the nation’s youth sides, winning the European Under-19 Championship in 2015 and the European U-21 Championship in 2015. 

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has been capped twice at just 17 and is likely to make it to the Euros, while Alex Baena (22), Nico Williams (21), and Lamine Yamal (16) are some of the other players who will bring youthful exuberance to the Spanish fold in Germany. 

—

For the fans, Spain might not seem like one of the biggest threats at Euro 2024. But when you break them down, they have every chance of going far in the tournament and perhaps faring better than their run to the semi-final of the tournament three years ago. 

Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.