Is he finished? Pedri ignored by De la Fuente again

Pedri's place in Spain's starting XI is becoming a major talking point.

Details: Luis de la Fuente has once again left Pedri out of Spain's starting lineup, this time for the UEFA Nations League clash against Croatia. The confirmed XI features Unai Simón, Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsí, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella, Martín Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz, Fermín López, Lamine Yamal, Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal.

• Also read: Spain - Croatia: Prediction, Facts and Betting Tips - UEFA Nations League Match - September 29, 2026

This is no longer an isolated selection call. Pedri has now started five consecutive Spain matches on the bench. The run began during the closing stages of the 2026 World Cup and has continued into the new Nations League campaign.

• Benched vs Belgium
• Benched vs France
• Benched vs Argentina
• Benched vs England
• Benched vs Croatia

Against England, Pedri eventually entered the match in the 70th minute as Spain completed a 3-2 comeback at Wembley. In the World Cup final against Argentina, the midfielder also began among the substitutes and was introduced in the 62nd minute.

It is worth noting that Spain won all four completed matches in this five-game sequence: 2-1 against Belgium, 2-0 against France, 1-0 after extra time against Argentina and 3-2 against England.

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