During the 2024 European Championship, Spain demonstrated their impressive squad depth and tactical flexibility under Luis de la Fuente’s leadership in a closely contested match against Albania. With a 1-0 victory, thanks to Ferran Torres’ striking precision, Spain maintained a perfect record in the tournament without conceding a single goal. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each player’s performance and how they contributed to Spain’s victory.
Goalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (7/10): Despite an unusual moment where he inadvertently hit teammate Aymeric Laporte with the ball, Raya made several crucial reaction saves that kept Spain in the game.
Jesus Navas (8/10): At 38, Navas displayed incredible energy, running up and down the right flank and creating multiple opportunities for his team, proving that age is a number.
Daniel Vivian (6/10): The Athletic Bilbao center-back managed to keep Albania’s attacks at bay mostly but experienced a few shaky moments that could have cost his team.
Aymeric Laporte (6/10): The only player to retain his starting spot from the victory over Italy, Laporte had a relatively quiet 45 minutes as Albania’s forward thrusts were minimal.
Alejandro Grimaldo (7/10): Provided excellent service from the left-back position, consistently delivering dangerous crosses into the box, ensuring competition for Marc Cucurella.
Midfield
Martin Zubimendi (7/10): Played a crucial but understated role in midfield, performing the gritty, essential tasks that helped Spain control the game’s tempo.
Mikel Merino (7/10): Was active in midfield and came close to scoring. His presence helped Spain dominate the midfield battle, although his finishing could improve.
Dani Olmo (8/10): The RB Leipzig midfielder was a standout, with smooth dribbling and an exquisite through-ball that set up the match’s only goal. Olmo continues to be a valuable asset as Spain progresses in the tournament.
Attack
Ferran Torres (8/10): Scored the winning goal with a perfectly timed run and a sharp finish. His dynamism caused constant problems for the Albanian defense on both wings.
Joselu (7/10): His physical presence added a different dimension to Spain’s attack. He nearly scored a spectacular goal and was a constant threat in the air.
Mikel Oyarzabal (6/10): He had a quieter game than his attacking counterparts, doing little to stake a claim for a starting spot in upcoming matches.
Substitutes & Manager
Robin Le Normand (6/10): Looked somewhat shaky as Spain faced late pressure from Albania.
Fermin Lopez (6/10): Brought energy off the bench but needed more quality to make a significant impact.
Alvaro Morata (6/10): Managed a few chances after coming on but failed to convert.
Lamine Yamal (7/10): The young talent displayed his potential with brilliant touches, although he needed more consistency.
Alex Baena (7/10): Came on late but looked sharp, showcasing why he leads La Liga in assists this season.
Luis de la Fuente (7/10): His strategy of rotating the squad paid off as Spain continued to look like a well-oiled machine. Despite some intense drop-off, the team’s depth and confidence were evident.
Spain’s performance against Albania highlighted its tactical nous and depth, qualities that make it a formidable opponent in this tournament. As it moves forward, maintaining momentum and effectively integrating all players will be crucial for its success.
