Rodri is missing from Spain’s starting XI for the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League showdown with Croatia. Luis de la Fuente is rotating his roster after a packed eight‑day stretch that saw Spain host Croatia, host Czechia and then travel again for the return leg.
De la Fuente said the rotation is inevitable in this format, with constant travel and minimal training. “We have 26 players capable of starting, all fit, so we’ll decide which spots make sense to tweak.“
He stressed the move isn’t a knock on Rodri or anyone else, just a result of squad depth. “We won’t overhaul the entire side; the core stays, but fresh legs add energy. I’d have liked two more rest days,” he added, noting the newcomers “have the quality and have earned their place.“
The coach pointed to data showing his substitutes have a higher scoring rate, underscoring his confidence in swapping even a key midfielder like Rodri.
“We effectively have two starting elevens,” he claimed, a statement bolstered when Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal turned a narrow win over England after coming off the bench.
Lamine Yamal is named to start as the line‑ups for Spain versus Croatia on Matchday 2 are revealed.
Rodri has been left out of Spain’s starting lineup for the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League clash with Croatia, with Luis de la Fuente opting to rotate his squad…
The roster drops not only Rodri but also Pedri and Dani Olmo, replacing them with a brand‑new midfield trio of Zubimendi, Fabian and Fermin behind Yamal and Baena, supporting Oyarzabal up front.
Spain confirmed XI: Unai Simon (C); Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Martin Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz, Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
The experiment is bold.
In my view, De la Fuente’s gamble could pay off, but will this rotation keep Spain fresh for the next round?