Rodri remains the steady heartbeat of Luis de la Fuente’s Spain even if he’s not quite replicating his Euro 2024 peak, his midfield control and leadership are still vital. Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal has continued to rise since that European triumph and is now widely recognized among the world’s best young talents. Stopping his pace, vision, and flair presents a major challenge for any opponent.
Full-back Saud Abdulhamid has been a constant for the Saudi Arabia national side in recent years and is the only player in the squad who plays outside of the nation, plying his trade for Ligue 1 outfit Lens, helping them win the Coupe De France last month.
Tricky attacking midfielder Jamiro Monteiro is crucial to how Cape Verde want to play and he often drops deep or drifts out wide to get on the ball. His comfort in tight spaces should not be a surprise, as he grew up playing cage football in Rotterdam.
