Cesar Azpilicueta was called up to the Spain squad to play what appeared to be more of mentoring or cheerleading role, but he’s ended up playing an important role.
He’s been a regular right back for Luiz Enrique’s team, although he misses out on their second round game against Morocco today.
He’s replaced by the muscular presence of Marcos Llorente at right back. That appeared to be a tactical decision, and Llorente offers you a lot more in terms of running up and down, but in fact Reuters are reporting that it’s an enforced change, with Azpi having not recovered from a thigh injury picked up in the third group game where Spain lost to Japan.
Interestingly, that means Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal – who started the first group game is clearly now third on the Spanish depth chart. It will be interesting to see who plays in the quarter final if Spain win this afternoon.
