Spain vs. Georgia: Spanish Players Who Must Impress to Gain World Cup Selection

Spain’s final World Cup qualifier may seem like a dead rubber on paper, but this encounter is far from meaningless.

Vicente Del Bosque’s side need just one point from their tie with Georgia in order to confirm automatic passage to next summer’s festivities in Brazil.

While this objective should be achieved at a leisurely stroll—Georgia have just five points across seven matches in Group I—a number of Spanish players must impress to strengthen their chances of joining the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets on the plane to Rio de Janeiro.

Who must grab the spotlight in what is likely to be Spain’s final competitive audition before kick-off in South America? Let’s take a look.

Players Who Must Impress for Spain

Michu

Del Bosque handed Michu his international debut during Spain’s recent 2-1 win over Belarus, but like the rest of the match, his performance was completely forgettable.

The Swansea City forward struggled to coincide his movements with the passing game of those around him. This is surprising when you consider Michael Laudrup deploys a similar style at the Liberty Stadium, a ground in which Michu is pretty much given a free role to operate between the midfield and attacking lines as he sees fit.

Far more discipline is needed at international level. With Fernando Torres and David Villa missing out on the current round of fixtures through injury, as reported by BBC Sport, and Roberto Soldado dropped due to poor form, Del Bosque is crying out for a lone striker to take the lead.

The veteran manager needs a focal point to hang his energetic midfield and wingers off.

Michu has worked tirelessly to receive international recognition—but if the lanky forward suffers another disappointing display against Georgia, Del Bosque is likely to provide Alvaro Negredo with an extended place in the team.

Nacho Monreal

Unfortunately for Nacho Monreal, his place in Spain’s starting XI against Belarus was down to default rather than his club form.

In the absence of Jordi Alba, the Arsenal full-back received 90 minutes against a team that will have been pleased to score on Spanish soil. Monreal is yet to start a game for the Gunners this season and, similar to Michu, harmed his chances of a World Cup berth with a second-rate display in Mallorca.

Monreal is unlikely to claim a starting place if he is selected for Brazil, but with versatile defenders such as Alberto Moreno, Dani Carvajal, Juanfran and Inigo Martinez also vying for a spot in the tried-and-tested back four, Monreal can easily slip away from selection.

Although he showed good energy to bomb down the flank against Belarus, his crosses urgently need to find some precision. Just one of three found their mark in the last game, per WhoScored, highlighting simple improvements that need to be made.

Alvaro Arbeloa

Another full-back, but this time he’s a mainstay in Del Bosque’s team. Considering the aforementioned talents also looking to slot into defence, it’s surprising Arbeloa has lasted so long.

This is a player who appears to go against everything Spain represent. He is conservative in possession, doesn’t offer natural attacking instinct and is prone to sloppy moments of play that can give opponents an unlikely sniff at goal.

Arbeloa performed well against Belarus and provided a sense of calm when in possession. Even so, his unwillingness to skip past his man ensures the team is lopsided. He completed no successful dribbles in the last match and is as close to a weak link as it gets for Del Bosque.

Right now, it’s only a matter of time until the Real Madrid defender is dislodged from the team.

Which players must impress against Georgia to help their chances of receiving a place in the World Cup squad? Let us know in the comments section below.

Follow @Nakerman