Spain Football Formation

Lineup (4-3-3)

Defensive stage; Juanfran needs to be implemented in the team to offer better balance rather than succumbing to a lopsided sytstem. His agressive running compliments the rotation of the midfield perfectly and with Busquets bobbing between defence and midfield it will cover the issue of stepping up to decrease space in behind fullbacks. The channels were a huge problem area against Italy. Jordi Alba if anything was restrained against Italy and his combinations with Iniesta and the other attacking players are integral to creating more opportuinities in the penalty area. Piqué and Ramos, preferably the former given his extra ability in this regards, needs to arrow the long balls into the channel too, removing predictability from the central midfield hub.

Midfield stage; Given the high amount of ball possession that Spain retain Alonso will be able to cover the area behind that adeptly, especially as Busquets will be his support mechanisim. With the ball Alba and Juanfran can push higher up and given their pace it's perfectly viable they can adeptly cover. Xavi is there too and he provides the consistency and familiarity for the other parts to buzz around. The age old question of whether Spain really need to play both Alonso and Busquets continues to be asked also. Again, given Spain's high percentages in midfield it's perfectly feasible to release one later in the game. For instance against Italy Pedro's introduction would've provided a different outlet in terms of attributes.

Attacking stage; Llorente must start for Spain given that he's the most prolific striker in the squad, and with his development this season he provides an incredible focal point for the components to play off - AND TO. His ability to play with back to goal would be essential in the combinations as Silva looks to roam in behind and Iniesta breaks from deep. Also, the wide prongs of Silva and Alba would have double use in that they wouldn't only have to play within combinations but also deliver in crosses to the figure of Llorente. A question will be the incapibility of Llorente to use pace in behind, but ask yourself how often this situation arises with Spain? Pehaps only in the final stages of the game when the opponent is tiring and the game becomes stretched. Then, you can implement Negredo or Torres.