How De la Fuente's Spain are closing in on greatness

Luis de la Fuente's Spain are on the brink of greatness. They are bidding to become just the fourth team to hold both the World Cup and European Championship crowns at the same time, following Spain's 2010 side, France in 2000, and West Germany in 1974. De la Fuente, now in his fourth year as Spain boss, won the European Championship two years ago and has guided his team to a World Cup quarter-final against Belgium on Friday. France await the winners.

A remarkable unbeaten run

Since taking over in January 2023, De la Fuente has lost just three times and is currently on a 35-game unbeaten streak. His success stems from a blend of tactical acumen and people management. “Football is a team sport, built by good people,” he said in an exclusive interview before the Belgium match. “Those of us who have been in a locker room know what it means to be a good person. Almost every squad has had the opposite, the player who disrupts harmony, who puts himself first.”

Building a culture, not just a team

De la Fuente's Spain is defined by a collective identity forged over decades within the Spanish federation. He has been a coach in that system since 2013, shaping players and instilling values. His style is possession-based but with alternatives, and he has created a culture of generosity, support, and selflessness. “Talent without generosity does not go far,” he believes.

The 'easiest team to analyse' but 'hardest to beat'

Spain's footballing identity has been developed over years, giving them an advantage over teams starting new projects. As a member of Portugal's staff noted after their round-of-16 defeat, Spain are “the easiest team to analyse, but the hardest to beat.” De la Fuente has added versatility, depth, comfort in transitions, unpredictability in attack, and solidity, while maintaining the core style.

His familiarity with players from youth level—he has worked with them for a decade—informs his coaching decisions. His staff analyze every match in detail, making adjustments as needed. Against Cape Verde, for instance, Spain lacked finesse in their passing, a flaw they aim to correct.

Lamine Yamal: a symbol of the project

Young star Lamine Yamal embodies Spain's approach. His emergence shows why this could be his World Cup, as he combines talent with the team-first mentality De la Fuente prizes. The manager's conviction is simple: football is a team sport built by good people. That philosophy, combined with tactical evolution, has Spain on the cusp of history.