Spain World Cup 2022 squad, predicted lineup vs Morocco and star players

Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon started all three group stage games, and despite a wobble against Japan, will no doubt resume between the sticks against Morocco.

He is fending off competition from Robert Sanchez and David Raya to remain Spain's No.1.

Manchester United's David De Gea is among those to have been left out of the 26-man squad - he will feel as though he could've put in a match-winning display where Simon flopped in matchday three.

One of the biggest questions facing Luis Enrique when it came to the Spanish defence was whether Paris Saint-Germain centre-half Sergio Ramos should be part of the final squad. His absence hasn't been felt too heavily just yet, although with Spain's team being young, his presence could be missed later on in the tournament.

Cesar Azpilicueta, Dani Carvajal, Jordi Alba and Aymeric Laporte are all part of the 26-man party, with Spain boasting plenty of options at the back.

Eric Garcia has proven to be a reliable option, but has been unable to earn Enrique's trust. Instead, he has opted to deploy Manchester City midfielder Rodri as a makeshift centre-back, alongside Laporte and his deputy Pau Torres.

Spain boss Enrique has put his trust in an all Barcelona midfield three so far at the World Cup. And with how they've performed for the most part, it's unlikely he'll change on that front.

Sergio Busquets has provided experience behind the youthful Pedri and Gavi, who have each starred in the group stages. Busquets hasn't proven flawless, though, and some shuffling around could be required the further they go.

Carlos Soler and Marcos Llorente have been unable to make an impact, while Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara continues to watch on from home.

Pablo Sarabia, Alvaro Morata and Ferran Torres were expected to lead the line in Qatar, but Enrique has surprised with his selections.

Torres started each of Spain's first two games, alongside Real Madrid's Marcos Asensio and RB Leipzig's Dani Olmo. However, Morata has made his presence felt, scoring three goals so far in an unexpected run for the Golden Boot award.

Youngster Nico Williams seems to have earned the trust of the manager, while Ansu Fati has had to be patient for opportunities so far.

Asensio has starred, but Morata's scoring form might just earn him a place in the XI moving forward.

Many have been surprised by the displays of the Spanish throughout the group stages, with their free-flowing football looking a lot less toothless than it so often has done in recent years.

Rodri has been key to that. The midfielder has thrived in his role in central defence and is key to giving Spain a more dominant shape in games.

But further up the field is where the magic really happens. Gavi and Pedri continue to steal the show at a young age, while Alvaro Morata has surprised just about everyone with his newfound ruthless streak in front of goal.

It's that prolific form that has given Spain a much-needed edge to their play, and a different dimension when pinning back defences and aiming to cut crosses back into the box.

Dani Olmo also deserves credit for his quietly impressive performances off the left flank. He flies under the radar in Germany, but brings an energy to Spain's wide areas, while also providing a tactical understanding and flair that allows him to punish full backs both positionally and when one against one.

If it's not broken, don't fix it. Spain aren't perfect, but Enrique will be pleased with what he's seen thus far.

Simon can expect to continue between the sticks despite a poor night at the office against Japan.

In front of him, Cesar Azpilicueta has proven the more reliable arm at right-back, while Jordi Alba has impressed on the opposite side. Rodri will undoubtedly continue at centre-back and City teammate Aymeric Laporte will most likely return to the XI alongside him.

Busquets will form the base of the midfield and continue to dictate quietly behind the imperious duo of Gavi and Pedri.

Asensio and Olmo should feel secure of their places, but Alvaro Morata could come in for Torres, shifting the Real Madrid forward out wide.

Spain XI (4-3-3): Simon; Azpilicueta, Rodri, Laporte, Alba; Busquets, Gavi, Pedri; Asensio, Morata, Olmo

David De Gea might continue to be the No.1 choice at Manchester United, but there is no room for him in the Spain squad under Luis Enrique for tactical reasons.

Sergio Ramos had hoped to make the cut after proving his worth at PSG, but the veteran defender - who savoured global glory back in 2010 - will be watching on from afar. His absence could be felt when Spain need a serial winner later down the line.

That is also the case for Marcos Alonso and Thiago Alcantara, with Enrique putting his faith in his nation's younger stars.