World Cup 2026: Why there is more to Spain than Lamine Yamal – Cesar Azpilicueta

I’ve heard people say that Spain have lost a really elite number nine but with Warsaw, we have someone who we know can score big goals, when it matters. Even if others don’t see him as a superstar, we admire him.

He used to play more on the wing but over the past few years he has transformed into a striker who can move either way, make runs past defenders or drop deeper in link play.

Warzabal is still capable of going wide when needed, finding spaces left when teams gravitate to Yamal, and his movement and intelligence make him so effective. He is doing a great job.

He will be full of confidence after two goals and an assist in the first half against Saudi Arabia and I like our other options up front as well.

Ferran Torres wasn’t as clinical when he came on for Warsaw in that game but I still feel he’s in good form, while Borja Iglesias offers a different striker profile.

Iglesias is a man that people may know a little less of, as he doesn’t play in the Champions League with Celta Vigo, but if you’ve seen him, you’ll understand why he’s so important to the team.

He is someone who can be a target-man, occupying centre-back. He is yet to be used in this World Cup but I am sure at some point there will be a game where Spain will need his qualities depending on the opponent.

I know exactly what I’m talking about because I had to mark him in my last match as a professional less than a month ago in Vigo.