Player ratings for Spain against Peru: even without Lamine there is dynamite

After what barely qualified as a rehearsal against Iraq, Spain regrouped with a comfortable victory over Peru that sent a clear message from Luis de la Fuente about his preferred starting XI. It appears to be the team that will open the World Cup against Cabo Verde. Here are the player ratings.

Unai Simón (46′): Very little work to do. The few Peru chances that threatened drifted just wide of the post. He made his first appearance of the preparation campaign after not featuring at Riazor.

Marcos Llorente (69′): Physically, an airplane. He was not tested too often, but when he was, his stride solved the problem. That athleticism will be crucial on the biggest nights. He also got forward, although without becoming a central figure.

Pau Cubarsí (61′): Outstanding on the ball, much like Aymeric Laporte. He completed as many passes in the opposition half as in his own, and one of them led to Mikel Oyarzabal’s opener. On a night that did not demand defensive resilience, his passing stood out.

Aymeric Laporte (46′): He is expected to lead, and he did. Not through his defending, because Peru rarely tested him, but with the ball at his feet. He left at halftime having completed 55 of 56 passes – an incredible 98%.

Marc Cucurella (69′): Even more adventurous than Llorente and just as energetic. He recovered well defensively, especially with one intervention that cut out a chance Peru was already anticipating in the six-yard box. Going forward, he pushed high, provided width, and stretched the field effectively.

Rodri (61′): If he is playing well, Spain is playing well. Physically, he looks sharp. He brought security and balance, allowing Pedri to create and roam forward. On the ball, while he may still lack a touch of sharpness, he was accurate and dependable. A very encouraging sign.

Fabián Ruiz (46′): His first minutes since winning the Champions League. De la Fuente considered it essential for his midfield core to build chemistry before the World Cup. He frequently exchanged positions with Pedri, although he appeared slightly less fluid than usual.

Pedri (61′): Without Lamine Yamal, it was all about him. Not only as a leader, but as an idol. The preview came when he arrived in Puebla, and this performance was sensational. The ovations never stopped. The Tenerife-born midfielder responded with elegance, intelligence, and a goalscorer’s instinct. His goal sparked an eruption inside the stadium. He read Ferran Torres perfectly, arriving like a striker to finish. Exceptionally comfortable between the lines, he combined beautifully with both Ferran and Oyarzabal. Having Rodri and Fabián behind him gives him freedom, though he still drops deep enough to influence Spain’s buildup.

Ferran Torres (69′): If there was any doubt, it has now disappeared. He is De la Fuente’s utility man, his No. 12. Whenever someone is missing, he steps into the lineup. Up front or on the wing, as he was here and likely will be against Cabo Verde. He looks fresh and dangerous attacking space. That is exactly how he created the second goal, making the run and then delivering the cutback for Pedri. He heads into the World Cup in excellent form.

Mikel Oyarzabal (46′): He had already recorded 11 goals and six assists in his previous 10 international appearances, and in his 11th came another decisive contribution. Barely moments after kickoff, with thousands of fans still settling in, he received the ball outside the box, adjusted his position, and finished ruthlessly. Like a true striker. Like what he is. His movement, with and without the ball, was outstanding. He nearly scored again after a wonderful move with Pedri.

Álex Baena (61′): Another statement from De la Fuente. Without Nico Williams, it is Baena. He worked hard and consistently looked to make runs, although he lacked precision in his first touch and final dribble. The least influential of Spain’s attacking players.

Also played

David Raya (46′): Like Simón, he had little to do. The difference was that Peru managed a shot on target against him, and there was nothing he could do about it. Edison Vélez’s strike was unstoppable.

Eric García (46′): His introduction was significant because it appears to confirm him as Spain’s third-choice center back. Vélez’s goal came through his area, though it owed more to Peru’s quality than any defensive lapse.

Dani Olmo (46′): Active between the lines and eager to get involved. A better touch or final pass could have allowed him to create more danger around the box. The slower pace of the second half did him no favors.

Yeremy Pino (46′): Barely on the field before helping create a goal. He received the ball after a strong high press, and his cross was turned into the net by Pedro Gallese. After that, he was less effective in one-on-one situations. He looks set to be an impact substitute at the World Cup.

Marc Pubill (61′): Peru scored shortly after he came on, though he was not at fault. Being Spain’s fourth center back at the World Cup is no small achievement.

Gavi (61′): Intense as always. His most notable contributions came in defending set pieces. Spain lacked creativity in possession during the final half hour, and he was unable to speed things up.

Mikel Merino (61′): More minutes, which was the best news. He looks physically improved, though there is still work to do. That is only natural. He had few chances to make his trademark late runs into the box.

Martín Zubimendi (61′): A quiet evening. Peru’s midfield neither pressed him nor challenged him. He was comfortable shielding the defense.

Pedro Porro (69′): Showed his power during a sleepy stretch of the game, but his crosses failed to find a target.

Álex Grimaldo (69′): After his excellent outing against Iraq, he was limited to the closing minutes here. He nearly scored with a left-footed effort across goal at the death.

Borja Iglesias (69′): Still unable to end his scoring drought with Spain. He linked play well with his back to goal on a few occasions and could have caused problems late on, but stumbled at the decisive moment.

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