Spain manager De la Fuente backs Rodri and Zubimendi to play together
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente insists star midfielders Rodri and Martin Zubimendi can play together as the national team prepare for their upcoming friendlies against Serbia and Egypt.
The domestic rivalry between the two players recently took centre stage at Wembley.
Manchester City secured a 2-0 victory over Arsenal to lift the Carabao Cup, with Rodri heavily involved in the decisive action.
During the final, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner fired a low strike towards goal, only for his national team compatriot to make a crucial block.
Their tactical battle has now shifted from the club game to the international stage.
The debate over Spain’s midfield
Both players reported to the Spanish training camp in Madrid on Monday.
The European champions are preparing for crucial fixtures ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
With both men operating primarily as deep-lying playmakers, the pressing question is whether they can feature in the same starting line-up.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente is frequently questioned about accommodating two of the world’s premier holding midfielders.
“After all the setbacks he went through, Rodrigo is back at a high level,” De La Fuente told TVE.
“I’ve said before that he is the best in the world, but also on those same occasions that we are very fortunate.”
“After all, in that position, the number six role, we have the two best players in the world: Rodrigo and Martin.”
“So I will get ahead of a question you are probably going to ask: can they play together? Of course they can play together.”
Passing the baton in midfield
Despite the manager’s public assurances, the 64-year-old tactician has rarely deployed the duo simultaneously.
Their only joint appearance came during the dying moments of the Euro 2024 semi-final against France.
Historically, the Manchester City maestro has been an untouchable presence at the base of the national midfield.
However, when a severe knee ligament injury sidelined him in September 2024, the former Real Sociedad anchor seamlessly filled the void.
The successful transition prompted a supportive text message from the injured star to his Arsenal counterpart.
“I’m leaving you the keys of the team,” the message read.
Since De la Fuente took charge in March 2023, the national side has played just 268 minutes without at least one of them on the pitch.
Fans could see the next evolution of this tactical dynamic when Spain face Serbia in Villarreal on Friday.
