Luis de la Fuente’s bet for the ‘9’ is already key in Spain: decisive in his first game
Joselu’s two goals were crucial for the victory and reinforces the idea of the new coach to give more continuity to that figure.
March 26, 2023 03:15 SAVE
SPORTS SOCCER LUIS DE LA FUENTE SPANISH TEAM SOCCER TEAM
Jaime Trujillo @trujo14
Spain achieved an important victory against Norway thanks to the success in front of the rival goal. Especially from one of the forwards of the National Team, since Joselu became the name of the game thanks to his double in the final stretch of the match. Two heavy goals that reinforce Luis de la Fuente’s commitment to the figure of ‘9’.

In recent years, with the presence of Luis Enrique as coach, that position had been somewhat reviled. Álvaro Morata was the only fixture on the Asturian’s lists in that position and the lack of alternatives and scoring nose dented the offensive power of the National Team at certain times. However, that seems to have changed with the arrival of the coach from La Rioja.
The list given just over a week ago showed that the idea regarding the striker had taken another direction with Luis de la Fuente in charge. The goodbye in the round of 16 against Morocco in the World Cup in Morocco left a bitter aftertaste, especially due to the difficulties encountered to overcome the rival goalkeepers.
However, the new coach has given a change of direction with the call of a series of players seasoned in these conflicts. They are Iago Aspas, Joselu, Borja Iglesias or Álvaro Morata himself. A safe bet for the goal, since all of them show some very interesting numbers for that position.

The match against Norway proved the National Team coach right. Despite the fact that the first goal was scored by Dani Olmo, one of those players with absolute mobility throughout the attacking front, the second and third were the work of debutant Joselu. The Espanyol striker brought out that killer instinct that has characterized him so much in recent seasons and delighted the public present at La Rosaleda.

[Spain achieves a resounding victory against Norway in the debut of Luis de la Fuente]

Joselu, exciting debut
The truth is that Spain was going through serious difficulties until the entry of Joselu. The striker was introduced to the field of play in the 80th minute of the match to try to seal the game against the counter, as Norway pressed to look for that tie in the mail.

It was there where the differential figure of ‘9’ emerged in Spain and became one of the most important elements of the game. A bet for the goal-scoring nose that caused Luis de la Fuente to see his idea endorsed in the blink of an eye thanks to Joselu’s expertise.

The Espanyol striker scored a brace on the pitch at La Rosaleda, but he also showed his ability and ability to see the goal. That is to say, the characteristics that players like him are asked to do, which are based on beating the rival goalkeeper to score a goal.

Undoubtedly, his two goals were a true reflection of the qualities of an attacker. The first was an impossible header for the goalkeeper, as he placed the ball at a very difficult angle for the Norwegian goalkeeper. The second, pure goal hunting instinct, as he was faster than his rivals to take advantage of a rebound. In short, two plays from which Spain had suffered in its last commitments.

In fact, Joselu’s debut, with that double, is the fastest ever achieved with the National Team in a debut. Barely four minutes and fifteen seconds passed since he stepped onto the field and scored the two goals with which he sealed the match for Luis de la Fuente’s team.
The absence of ‘9’ had caused that lack of hunger in the face of the opposing goal, as it had become one of the great flaws of the Selection. And with the landing of the new coach it has been seen that this has changed, since practically all the available forwards played against Norway.

Iago Aspas, Yeremy Pino, Álvaro Morata or Joselu himself had the opportunity to score in their boots. Some clearer and others less, but there was a sense of danger when Spain took advantage of counterattacks. With Borja Iglesias as one of the discarded, the other four did have minutes.

Whether in one way or another, all of them enjoyed a certain role and a different idea was opted for. If before you wanted to reach the goal with a touch, now the door has also been opened to a much more direct style. That is, a combination that can be played with if the registry needs to be changed.

A new era that has already arrived and that seems to be established with novelties that have landed within the Selection, many of whom are willing to stay. Meanwhile, Luis de la Fuente has managed to find revenue for the first one.