Barcelona playmaker in contention to start for Spain vs Saudi Arabia in World Cup

Barcelona playmaker in contention to start for Spain vs Saudi Arabia in World Cup With the first matchday of the 2026 FIFA World Cup out of the way, one of the biggest surprises came when Spain were held to a draw by minnows Cape Verde. Despite boasting of star players like Pedri, Ferran Torres, Gavi, and Rodri, among others, La Roja failed to get all three points. Next up for Luis de la Fuente & co. is a tricky fixture against Saudi Arabia, one where the manager could decide to reintroduce Lamine Yamal to the starting lineup , with the Barcelona teenage superstar having fully recovered from his injury. Dani Olmo also in contention Now, according to journalist Alfredo Martinez, another Barcelona star, Dani Olmo, is also making a strong case to start in Spain’s second Group H game against Saudi Arabia. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder was surprisingly left out of the starting XI against Cape Verde by De la Fuente. Olmo to start against Saudi Arabia? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Instead, the La Roja boss opted to play with the quartet of Ferran Torres, Pedri, Gavi, and Mikel Oyarzabal in the final third. In a very strange decision , De la Fuente held Olmo back until the final ten minutes of the game, despite Spain needing a player like him who could unlock the opponents’ deep defensive block. Having come in the 81st minute for Ferran, the former RB Leipzig playmaker put on a solid showing, linking up well with those around him on the pitch. It has now put him in contention to start against Saudi Arabia. A proven commodity Olmo deserves a bigger role with Spain. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images) Not so long ago, Olmo was the star of the show for Spain as they won the UEFA Euro 2024. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder was among the six-joint Golden Boot winners at the tournament after scoring three goals. The fact that he can play as a No. 10, on the left flank, or even as a false-nine makes him a very useful player. Moreover, in the recent season, Olmo also showcased that he can be utilised in a deeper role in midfield. With Saudi Arabia also likely to set up with a deep block, having a player of his ilk could be the difference for Spain as they search for their first win at the 2026 World Cup.