World Cup 2018: 5 things Hierro should look at fixing for Spain

#3 Rest one of Iniesta or Silva

Iniesta had a good game but Spain may need someone else

The Spanish midfield had a very good outing against the Portuguese in last night’s thriller. Sergio Busquets was his usual classy, unhurried self; intercepting, starting attacks, blocking off opponents and calmly doing the dirty work. Ditto for Koke who was quietly running all over the place and helped ensure that the Portuguese midfield’s output was limited.

However, the presence of three twinkle-toed midfielders in Andres Iniesta, David Silva, and Isco ensured that while Spain kept and distributed the ball well, Costa had to come short a lot to receive the ball and be involved in the action. Alba also had to push up a lot to offer an extra attacking body as well.

Against the defensive-minded Iranians and Moroccans, Hierro should look to drop one of Iniesta or Silva (to save their legs for later in the tournament as well) and start a more direct attacking threat beside Costa.

Rodrigo has played besides Zaza many times at Valencia and his mobility and turn of pace could give Spain a semblance of the Costa-Antoine Griezmann pairing which works so well at Atletico Madrid.

Iago Aspas could also do the job well and if Hierro wants a more attacking midfielder, he has Marco Asensio to call upon.