Spain predicted lineup for 2022 FIFA World Cup

The winners of the 2010 edition have huge expectations on their shoulders.

Spain are a strong contender for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar, the host nation, will welcome top players from various men’s national teams that will be vying for the trophy. The tournament starts on 20 November 2022 onwards and Luis Enrique’s men have the task to repeat their triumph from 12 years ago in South Africa.

Spain is ranked seventh in FIFA Men’s rankings. Going into the World Cup, they are one of the favourites to lift the trophy. With several high-profile players in the final squad, there are high expectations from La Furia Roja. While players like Sergio Ramos and Thiago have been left behind, the team still has plenty of stars.

Here is a look at how Spain can line up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar:

GK - Unai Simon

Spain has three exceptional goalkeepers in the final squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. From the three that have made the final cut, Unai Simon will get the nod ahead of the other two. He plays for Athletic Bilbao in La Liga and has sensational control of the ball that helps Spain build from the back.

RB - Dani Carvajal

There are few right-backs that are better than Dani Carvajal in world football. He is an exceptional full-back who played a key role in winning the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid last season. He will take his place on the right flank for Spain, providing support in attack when he is not defending in the back four.

CB - Pau Torres

Pau Torres has developed into a complete centre-back and is still only 25 years old. He can carry himself well in pressure situations and is sound with the ball on his feet. He won the UEFA Europa League with Villareal in 2020-21 and is a key figure in Spain’s defensive setup.

CB - Aymeric Laporte

Aymeric Laporte changed allegiance from France to Spain ahead of Euro 2020. He has incredible quality and compliments Spain’s gameplay well. Although he is still recovering from an injury, it would not be a surprise to see him start alongside Torres after fully recuperating.

LB - Jordi Alba

FC Barcelona’s Jordi Alba is the favourite to start in the left-back position. He is one of the most experienced players in the team and a nuisance for the opposition. The 33-year-old has 86 national caps for the national team. However, he will face stiff competition for the starting place from Jose Gaya. 

CM - Rodri

Manchester City’s Rodri is one of the finest defensive midfielders in world football. He will be a significant player for the Spanish national team at the World Cup. His role is vital to the team’s overall tactics. He not only provides cover to the defensive line but is also a threat with his shooting ability from range.

CM - Pedri

Pedri is the creative outlet in the Spanish team and one of the finest midfielders in Europe at the moment. FC Barcelona’s young star will be one of the central figures in Luis Enrique’s side. He keeps the ball ticking and loves to create scoring opportunities for the attackers upfront. The 19-year-old already has 14 caps for the national team.

CM - Koke

Koke will bring experience and leadership to the Spanish squad. The 30-year-old has 67 caps for the national team and will play a significant role in the upcoming World Cup. The Atletico Madrid midfielder won the U21 European Championships with Spain and will hope to win his first major trophy with the senior team in Qatar. 

LW - Ferran Torres

FC Barcelona’s Ferran Torres will likely take his place as the left-wing forward for Spain. The 22-year-old has 13 goals in 30 national caps for the national team. Fans will be hoping that the forward find his goalscoring touch in Qatar to help the national team mount a strong challenge.

RW - Pablo Sarabia

The right-wing will most likely see Pablo Sarabia start ahead of players like Yeremi Pino and Ansu Fati. He plays for Paris Saint-Germain at the club level and has the technical qualities to create scoring chances in tough situations. The 30-year-old has 24 caps for the national team with nine goals.

ST - Alvaro Morata

Alvaro Morata is likely to headline the forward line for Spain at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He is definitely the most experienced No.9 in the squad with Gerard Moreno left behind from the final list of players. The 30-year-old has 27 goals in 57 caps for the national team. He will aim to add a few more to that tally when the tournament starts.