Spain begin the defense of their UEFA Nations League title on Thursday as they take on Serbia in Belgrade in the first match of their 2024-25 Group A campaign. Luis de la Fuente’s side will be aiming to continue the spectacular form shown over the last 15 months, which culminated in Euro 2024 success during the summer.
Diario AS has revealed their expected Spain line-up for the match in the Serbian capital. The likes of Unai Simon (injured), Rodri Hernandez (suspended), and Alvaro Morata (injured/suspended) will play no part, while it is also noted that Lamine Yamal is not likely to start after coming off discomfort from last weekend.
David Raya will earn a rare start, with the defense being the same that played throughout Euro 2024. Martin Zubimendi is to replace Rodri, with Dani Olmo instead of Lamine Yamal on the right wing. Finally, Mikel Oyarzabal, who was the matchwinner in the European Championship final, is set to be Morata’s replacement.
Spain will fancy their chances of kicking off their 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign strongly. It will be very interesting to see how the new European champions get on in Belgrade.
Spain begin the defense of their UEFA Nations League title on Thursday as they take on Serbia in Belgrade in the first match of their 2024-25 Group A campaign. Luis de la Fuente’s side will be aiming to continue the spectacular form shown over the last 15 months, which culminated in Euro 2024 success during the summer.
Diario AS has revealed their expected Spain line-up for the match in the Serbian capital. The likes of Unai Simon (injured), Rodri Hernandez (suspended), and Alvaro Morata (injured/suspended) will play no part, while it is also noted that Lamine Yamal is not likely to start after coming off discomfort from last weekend.
David Raya will earn a rare start, with the defense being the same that played throughout Euro 2024. Martin Zubimendi is to replace Rodri, with Dani Olmo instead of Lamine Yamal on the right wing. Finally, Mikel Oyarzabal, who was the matchwinner in the European Championship final, is set to be Morata’s replacement.
Spain will fancy their chances of kicking off their 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign strongly. It will be very interesting to see how the new European champions get on in Belgrade.
Pedri provides insight into Hansi Flick’s Barca: We work much more than before
Over
the last three years, the injury struggles of Pedri have been
documented extensively. The 21-year-old has suffered with regular
hamstring problems, and these have significantly affected his playing
time since the start of the 2021-22 season.
He
was also injured over the summer, albeit that was caused by a strong
challenge from former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos. He has since
returned to action for Barcelona, and he has been able to start three of
the four matches played so far this season.
Hansi Flick’s
arrival could spark a change, as he told MD that he, and his Barcelona
teammates, are much fitter because of Hansi Flick’s arrival.
“At
the club, we work much more than before. I think that the physical
trainers who have come in do us very well. We worked very hard and that
shows in the game. The team does not go down after the 70th or 80th
minute, but maintains the physical level.
“It’s true that I
returned later (because of Euro 2024), but those that did the pre-season
gave it a lot of hard work. A lot of strength, a lot of physical work
exercises. And when we arrived they gave us a final push until the games
started.”
The fitness regime implemented by Flick at
Barcelona could allow injuries to become less of a threat, as muscle
strength and endurance should be higher. Pedri is one that would be a
big beneficiary of this.
Over the last three years, the injury struggles of Pedri have been documented extensively. The 21-year-old has suffered with regular hamstring problems, and these have significantly affected his playing time since the start of the 2021-22 season.
He was also injured over the summer, albeit that was caused by a strong challenge from former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos. He has since returned to action for Barcelona, and he has been able to start three of the four matches played so far this season.
Hansi Flick’s arrival could spark a change, as he told MD that he, and his Barcelona teammates, are much fitter because of Hansi Flick’s arrival.
“At the club, we work much more than before. I think that the physical trainers who have come in do us very well. We worked very hard and that shows in the game. The team does not go down after the 70th or 80th minute, but maintains the physical level.
“It’s true that I returned later (because of Euro 2024), but those that did the pre-season gave it a lot of hard work. A lot of strength, a lot of physical work exercises. And when we arrived they gave us a final push until the games started.”
The fitness regime implemented by Flick at Barcelona could allow injuries to become less of a threat, as muscle strength and endurance should be higher. Pedri is one that would be a big beneficiary of this.