Overview
- Luis de la Fuente named Rodri and Fabián Ruiz as Spain’s central midfield partnership for the World Cup final and did not include Pedri in the starting XI.
- Pedri is reported to be fully fit but has now started only during the group phase and has been omitted from the starting line-up for Spain’s recent knockout matches.
- De la Fuente’s selection reflects a tactical preference for greater physical presence, ball control and attacking balance that has produced wins in the quarterfinals and semifinals.
- Gavi has also been left out of the starting XI and has had only one start and a brief substitute appearance earlier in the tournament.
- What to watch is whether either player is used from the bench and how the coach frames their roles after the final, with the decision carrying possible effects on the players’ confidence and their standing at club and national level.