Croatia 3-2 Spain: 5 talking points | UEFA Nations League 2018-19

#1 Should Kepa Arrizabalaga start?

A new face in front of goal?

It is a matter that has been noticed, more than a few times. When he plays for Spain, De Gea isn't the same person he is at Manchester United. At United, De Gea is awake all the time, and on his heels to react to anything.

But while donning the La Roja jersey, De Gea has not been able to justify his inclusion as a starter lately. It is only due to his stature he starts, rather than his performances. While dropping a world-class keeper is a tough task and needs a lot of courage, it is necessary. De Gea needs a short spell on the bench to come back stronger.

The events of Zagreb aren't entirely to be blamed on De Gea, but he could have done better. We expect that standard from De Gea, as he is better at United. If he isn't able to emulate that, then it has to be seen whether Kepa can do any better.

Lucho has to realise this. Kepa isn't a young kid anymore, he is playing for a world-class team under a great coach right now. This is the time Kepa can start.

De Gea made one or two good saves, but the mistakes are more glaring. The first Kramaric goal came off his laces. De Gea didn't seem to make himself wide enough, which could have saved the goal. The second goal cannot be blamed on him, it was a point-blank header which was always going in, but he could have at least tried to move some muscles. That is what reflex is all about.

The third goal was a bad save on De Gea's part. A keeper of his standard should have held the ball tight or pushed it away strongly. Instead, his touch just helped it to Jedvaj for a goal. Not just yesterday, he was also under-par against England.

A short bench spell doesn't do any damage, does it? Just for once, try Kepa. Maybe there will be a difference.