5 contenders vying to be Spain’s first choice right-back in the 2018 World Cup

Modified Oct 26, 2017 16:22 GMT

Juanfran has been a great servant for Spain but his days as La Furia's first choice are surely done — Juanfran has been a great servant for Spain but his days as La Furia's first choice are surely numbered

#1 Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)

Carvajal is widely expected to be the first choice right-back for Spain at the World Cup

Carvajal has had a meteoric rise from his days as a cadet at Real Madrid’s La Fabrica. The first choice right-back for the current European and Spanish champions, he is also expected to be the first choice for Spain at Russia 2018.

A rapid player who combines terrific speed with a willingness to put in the work needed defensively, he has been hailed as one of the best right backs in the world and has continuously earned rave reviews for his consistent match-winning displays.

He has had a mixed start to the season; being a key part of the Real Madrid team which won both the UEFA and Spanish Super Cups before being diagnosed with a heart condition which has kept him out of action for a couple of weeks.

Like Azpilicueta, Dani has not received as many caps as his talent has warranted but injury permitting, he is expected to be the number one choice for coach Lopetegui at the World Cup as none of the other contenders can offer his mix of pace, attacking abilities and defensive nous.

Edited by Amit Mishra