According to Marca, as Spain's national team prepares to begin its UEFA Nations League campaign, head coach Luis de la Fuente is fine-tuning his squad. The third striker position, in particular, is undergoing changes, with five players—including Espanyol striker Roberto Fernández, Rayo Vallecano striker Sergio Camello, and Real Madrid forward Espi—competing for the role.

The World Cup is now history. This has dual significance. Spain's achievement in Qatar on December 18, 2022, was a lasting legacy. It is the second star on Spain's jersey, and the team will wear it for the first time in four Nations League matches: against England (September 26, at Wembley), Croatia (September 29, at Estadio Benito Villamarín, and October 6, in Split), and Czechia (October 3, in Prague).

Yet the World Cup is also in the past. The message from Las Rozas headquarters is not to dwell too much on past achievements or become complacent as European and World champions. "We want to keep winning." This is a phrase that echoes throughout de la Fuente's coaching staff. There is no other guideline than to continue the work that has made Spain dominant and extended their unbeaten record.

The core of the squad is already established, which is understandable, since the World Cup validated the philosophy, team, and squad-building approach. The backbone of this national team remains intact following its success, but doors remain open. Some things are clear. Such as the return of Fermín, who missed the chance to become World champion due to injury in the final rounds of La Liga last season.

Right back... what about Heisman?

One notable change is at right back. Marcos Llorente's departure has opened this position. A year ago, there was keen anticipation for Carvajal's return to this role, but the situation has fundamentally shifted with the emergence of one of the World Cup's most impressive players, Pedro Porro. On the national team's radar are several key right backs: Jiménez (Fiorentina), Fresneda (Sporting CP), Víctor Gómez (Braga), and García (Getafe), though the latter is currently injured.

However, de la Fuente has a natural solution from the World Cup-winning squad. Two of his centre-backs—Eric García and Marc Pubill—can play perfectly as right backs. The Barcelona player has played all his minutes in that position this season. If this route is taken, the door to the national team may open again for Heisman. The Real Madrid centre-back was absent from the World Cup due to fatigue at the end of last season, but he has since returned to the level that earned him his first national team call-up in March 2023.

Third striker

In other positions, the situation is clear-cut. Even for Zubimendi, though the San Sebastián native lost his starting place at Arsenal. But there is one position where signs of change have emerged: third striker. With Oyarzabal and Ferran firmly established, potential changes concern the role occupied by Borja Iglesias at the World Cup.

The presence of Celta striker Borja Iglesias at the World Cup was intended to cover specific moments. Ultimately, he played only a few minutes in the Round of 16 against Portugal. "Panda" has barely played this season, while several competitors have emerged. Leading the way is Roberto Fernández, thanks to his striker profile. The Espanyol striker has scored six goals in six matches, and his characteristic is that of a pure, traditional number 9.

Sergio Camello has also scored the same number of goals. The Rayo Vallecano striker has different characteristics—he prefers to appear in the penalty box at opportune moments rather than constantly occupying it. Also competing are Gonzalo (who made his debut against Iraq at Riazor before Spain traveled to Chattanooga), Espi, and A. Martínez.

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