Heading into the World Cup there are always teams favoured to lift the trophy. One of those favourites to lift this summers World Cup in Russia is former world champions Spain. However, some have concerns over the Spanish forward line, as La Roja do not really have a prolific striker in their ranks.
Striking options are not great
Some will say, ‘but what about Diego Costa?’ Well, the Atletico Madrid striker has struggled to have the same impact for Spain as he has for the likes of Atletico and previously Chelsea in the club game. Costa has scored seven goals in 19 appearances but has been in and out favour with the national team. Some have questioned his inclusion in the squad.
The fact that Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata failed to make the 23-man squad was one of the main talking points of the Spain squad. The former Real Madrid star enjoyed a mixed debut campaign in the Premier League with the Blues.
The other forwards selected for the squad are Real Madrid winger Lucas Vasquez, who enjoyed a decent season with Los Blancos. Former Liverpool player Iago Aspas has found form at Celta Vigo scoring 60 goals in his last three seasons in his homeland. His versatility has no doubt helped the 30-year-old secure his place in La Roja’s squad.
The last forward is former Bolton loanee Rodrigo Moreno, now scoring goals on a regular basis at Valencia. The versatile forward finally found his feet at Los Ches this season, scoring 16 La Liga goals. Like Aspas, his ability to play on either flank and centrally has had a big bearing on his selection in the squad.
World-class attacking midfielders
During domination of world football from 2008 until 2012, La Roja quite often played with a striker-less formation. The key to the season working successfully was the intelligence and the quality of the attacking midfielders, who created mayhem.
Although Spain are not expected to play with a striker-less system in Russia, they have the world-class attacking midfielders to pull it off. The likes of David Silva, Andres Iniesta, Marcos Asensio and in particular Isco are quite simply brilliant.
Spanish boss Julen Lopetegui is spoilt for choice when it comes attacking midfield options. The attacking midfielders cause enough havoc with their quality that they negate the lack of prolific goalscorer in attack.
Prolific in qualifying
If qualifying for the World Cup is anything to go by, Spain will have no problems scoring goals in Russia this summer. La Roja scored 36 goals and conceded just three times, a remarkable record. Only Belgium and Germany bettered their tally by scoring an even more incredible 43 goals.
We will have to wait and see if the lack of a prolific striker will hinder La Roja in Spain. However, considering the amount of quality attacking midfielders in their squad, I get the feeling that there will be no need for worries about where their goals will come from this summer.
Will Spain’s lack of prolific striker be a problem in Russia?
