Azpilicueta: Spain's World Cup hopes rely on more than just Lamine

As Spain prepare for the knockout stages of the World Cup, former captain Cesar Azpilicueta has stressed that the team's success cannot rely solely on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. While Yamal has been a standout performer, Azpilicueta pointed to the collective effort required to win a tournament that now includes an extra group game, potential extra time, and challenging conditions such as heat and travel.

Squad depth key to Spain's ambitions

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has emphasized the importance of using his entire squad, a strategy that paid off during their victorious Euro 2024 campaign, where all 23 outfield players featured across seven matches. Azpilicueta, who retired from international football after Euro 2024, believes this approach will be crucial again.

"As players, you always want to play every game, but in any tournament like this you never know when the crucial moment can come for you to make the difference," Azpilicueta wrote in a column for The Athletic.

Oyarzabal: The unsung hero

Azpilicueta highlighted Mikel Oyarzabal as a prime example of a player who seized his moment. The Real Sociedad forward came off the bench to score the winner in the Euro 2024 final against England—his only goal of the tournament. Despite starting just one match, Oyarzabal was ready when needed and has continued to score regularly for Spain since.

"He is 29 and is not celebrated like Kylian Mbappe or Harry Kane as one of the best centre-forwards in the world, but he had a strong season with Real Sociedad and he has an incredible record with the national team," Azpilicueta said.

Oyarzabal has transitioned from a winger to a striker, using his movement and intelligence to exploit spaces left by defenders drawn to Yamal. After scoring two goals and providing an assist in the first half against Saudi Arabia, he is full of confidence.

Other attacking options

Azpilicueta also praised other forwards in the squad. Ferran Torres, though not as clinical in his cameo against Saudi Arabia, remains in good form. Borja Iglesias offers a different profile as a target man, capable of occupying center-backs. "He has not been used yet at this World Cup, but I am sure at some point there will be a game where Spain will need his qualities, depending on the opposition," Azpilicueta noted, adding that he personally marked Iglesias in his final professional match less than a month ago.

Defensive solidity

While Spain are often praised for their attacking play, Azpilicueta emphasized the team's defensive strength. Spain have not conceded a goal so far, though tougher tests lie ahead against stronger opponents. "I see a team that is solid and compact," he wrote.

Goalkeeper Unai Simon remains the number one choice, backed by David Raya and Joan Garcia. Azpilicueta described Simon as a "big character" with extensive tournament experience, crucial for instilling confidence in the defense. "If Spain really want to get far at this tournament, they will need to be consistent and solid at the back, so to have a goalkeeper who can give confidence to the whole team will be really important," he concluded.