It’s a question as old as time. Is there really a God? Are we alone in the universe? Who will lead the line for Spain at the upcoming international tournament?
Ever since the curtain closed on David Villa’s international career after that dismal 2014 World Cup campaign, there has been an almost eternally-rotating cast of La Roja number nines. From Alvaro Morata to Aritz Aduriz, Diego Costa to Rodrigo Moreno and many more included.
And, at our count, Luis Enrique has no fewer than nine potential options ahead of the Qatar World Cup. Some more likely than others, of course. Now, does Enrique go for a mobile ‘false nine’, a classic, rough-and-tumble centre-forward or something entirely different?
Here’s our attempt at sorting the likely inclusions from the unfortunate near-misses.
Alvaro Morata – Atletico Madrid
Say what you want about Morata, a record of 26 goals in 56 international caps is not to be sniffed at. The well-travelled Atletico ace started every single game for Spain at Euro 2020, scoring three times, and remains one of the first names on Enrique’s team-sheet when fully fit.
As things stand, the number nine spot is his to lose.
World Cup chances; 9/10.
Gerard Moreno – Villarreal
With Iago Aspas out of favour – much to the bemusement of many avid La Liga viewers not to mention the player himself – Villarreal’s number seven took on the role of Spain’s playmaker/frontman at Euro 2020. Mobile and stylish, Moreno is perhaps the most technically gifted of Enrique’s attacking options. It was certainly a surprise, then, when he was left out of this month’s squad.
Is this because Enrique already knows what to expect from Moreno? Or has a year interrupted by niggling injuries simply scrubbed the shine off his reputation in Enrique’s eyes?
World Cup chances; 6/10.
Rodrigo Moreno – Leeds United
After starting the new Premier League season with four goals in his first three games, Rodrigo appeared to have found form at the ideal time.
That was, of course, until his progress was checked by an untimely shoulder injury. One that keeps him out of the Spain squad for September’s international break. If the ship hasn’t sailed just yet, then it’s sure. tobe leaving. the harbour sooner rather than later.
World Cup chances; 2/10
Ferran Torres – Barcelona
With 13 in 28 caps, the former Manchester City whizzkid averages a goal almost every other game for Spain. His speed across the ground and high-pressing style offers something very different from Morata too, though a lack of regular game-time at Barcelona following Robert Lewandowski’s arrival could work against him.
Torres should have more than enough credit in the bank at international level, however. He might not start, but he is almost certain to be in the squad.
World Cup chances; 8/10
Raul de Tomas – Rayo Vallecano
Oh RDT. What could’ve been? One of Europe’s most underrated frontmen looked destined to secure a seat on the plane a couple of months ago, when he was banging in the goals at Espanyol and attracting the interest of Arsenal.
But, having left Espanyol in highly contentious circumstances while sealing a shock return to Rayo Vallecano outside of the transfer window, De Tomas will now be barred from playing club football until January. By then, Qatar will be but a memory.
World Cup chances; 2/10
Nico Williams – Athletic Bilbao
What a month it’s been for Inaki’s younger brother. His first two La Liga goals, sandwiching a maiden call-up for the Spanish national team. Like Ferran, the Athletic Bilbao speedster is arguably at his most effective out wide but his explosive pace could give Spain a different sort of dimension in the final third.
Has Williams now overtaken the likes of Moreno in the pecking order?
World Cup chances; 5/10
Mikel Oyarzabal – Real Sociedad
Like De Tomas, Oyarzabal feels like a victim of circumstance. The Real Sociedad talisman has been a key figure throughout the Enrique era, featuring in every match at last summer’s Euros. But, after suffering a cruciate ligament injury a couple of months ago, Oyarzabal now faces a race against time as he looks to regain fitness in time for the World Cup.
November could simply come too soon.
World Cup chances; 3/10
Dani Olmo – RB Leipzig
Another who, despite being far from a household name, remains a trusted lieutenant in the Enrique army. The one-time Barcelona youngster was a revelation in a Cesc Fabregas-circa 2012 false nine role against Italy in the Euro 2020 semi-finals. He’s had his injury problems too. But if there is even a slight suggestion that Olmo could be back in time, expect Enrique to move heaven and earth to get one of Spain’s most intelligent, versatile pefformers on board.
World Cup chances; 5/10
Borja Iglesias – Real Betis
The wildcard. The new kid of the block. Spain’s Toto Squillaci?
Only Lewandowski has scored more La Liga goals so far than Borja Iglesias; six in six. Make no mistake, the former West Ham target is more than deserving of his chance, this being his first ever call-up at the age of 29. Impress in this month’s Nations League fixtures with Switzerland and Portugal and Morata may be glancing nervously over his shoulder.
World Cup chances; 7/10
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
