Aymeric Laporte anchors Spain’s tight defence as Austria await in World Cup round of 32 | OneFootball

Aymeric Laporte, Spain’s most-established outfield starter in major tournaments this decade, leads a back line yet to concede at this World Cup. La Roja face Austria in the round of 32 on Thursday at 21:00.

Since becoming eligible for Spain, the 32-year-old has started 18 matches at the Euros or World Cup, ahead of Pedri on 17 and Rodri on 15.

He partnered Pau Torres at Euro 2021, then Rodri in Qatar under Luis Enrique, and Robin Le Normand at Euro 2024. In America under Luis de la Fuente, he has been paired with 19-year-old Pau Cubarsi.

De la Fuente regards Laporte as a complete defender who suits Spain’s passing game, bringing authority and quality on the ball. Within a young group, he is an influence on figures such as Gavi and Lamine Yamal. Former Athletic Bilbao coach Cuco Ziganda believes that with slightly less raw dominance than earlier in his career, Laporte now reads play superbly, is more conservative, and reliably marshals the line.

His current status was not guaranteed a year ago. Short of minutes at Al-Nassr in spring 2025, he was omitted from the Nations League Final Four. He returned to Europe that September to a Basque club where he had played from 16 to 24, but an initial FIFA ruling delayed his move before a reversal 10 days later.

Added to the Champions League list only after a team-mate’s injury, he then lost time to a hamstring issue from mid December to early February. Regaining rhythm, he earned De la Fuente’s trust again.

Laporte and Cubarsi had played together only four times before the tournament yet have formed a composed partnership. Spain beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 on 21 June, and sterner examinations now loom.

Source: L'Équipe