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Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has talked up the range of Barcelona forward Fermin Lopez, signaling that the 23-year-old is a strong candidate for a starting role in Spain’s UEFA Nations League clash against Croatia.
Spain and Croatia both sit atop Group 3 of League A after opening wins on matchday one. Spain edged England 3-2 away, while Croatia beat Czech Republic 2-1 on the road. The two sides now meet with top spot on the line.
A four-game Nations League window packed into ten days, combined with heavy travel demands, forces every one of the 54 competing nations to rotate squads. De la Fuente confirmed on Monday that changes could arrive as early as Tuesday night, when Spain host Croatia at Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in Seville.
“Playing four matches at this level within ten days is extremely exhausting,” de la Fuente said. “There are players we want to give a break. We need to refresh the team a little. Not only for this reason, but also because the reserve players deserve it. This does not worry me at all. The players who take part will be the most prepared.”
One reserve player tipped for a call-up is Fermin Lopez. The Barcelona midfielder is eager for national team minutes after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup through a foot fracture, a setback that cost him a place on the biggest stage.
“It was tough because I think I deserved to be there,” Lopez told Mundo Deportivo last week after learning of his selection for Spain’s current squad.
Lopez forced his way back into contention through form. He has scored four goals and added two assists across his first four La Liga appearances this season, numbers that made his recall difficult to ignore.
Born in El Campillo, Lopez holds extra motivation for this fixture. His family, including his grandmother, who went viral for an emotional embrace during Barcelona’s recent win in Seville, is expected to attend in large numbers.
De la Fuente’s comments at his pre-match press conference pushed Lopez closer to a starting role, or at minimum significant minutes.
“He’s in fantastic form, just like (Dani) Olmo,” the 65-year-old manager said. “(Lopez) gives us energy, vitality, intensity, a lot of talent, class, and finishing ability. He’s a world-class player and fits perfectly with our style of play.”
Read also: Spain vs Croatia Prediction: 29.09.2026 UEFA Nations League
With Spain and Croatia both unbeaten and chasing group control, Tuesday’s meeting in Seville carries early weight in League A. Follow TipsGG for full coverage of the match and continued Nations League analysis.