Spain vs Germany Combined XI: La Roja edge Euro 2024 hosts
Ahead of Spain vs Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, we’ve put together a Combined XI, made up of the sides’ best rated players throughout the tournament so far.
Based on players’ WhoScored ratings, Spain narrowly edge out Germany, with six representatives to five.
Athletic Club goalkeeper Unai Simon beats out Manuel Neuer for a spot between the sticks, with a strong performance in Spain’s group opener against Croatia helping him to a WhoScored rating of 7.18.
Joshua Kimmich (Germany) - 7.30
Joshua Kimmich lines up at right-back ahead of Dani Carvajal having impressed for Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany so far. The 29-year-old finished the season in that role for Bayern Munich, and has slotted in for his national side, but his creativity has not suffered; only Ferdi Kadioglu (10) has created more chances from open play than Kimmich (9) at the tournament.
Antonio Rudiger (Germany) - 6.91
Kimmich is joined by teammate Antonio Rudiger, whose brilliant club form with Real Madrid last season has carried over to Euro 2024. The former Chelsea man has looked assured whether partnered with Jonathan Tah or Nico Schlotterbeck, and will face his toughest test yet against a deadly Spanish frontline on Friday.
Aymeric Laporte (Spain) - 6.87
Ex-Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte partners Rudiger in defence, having come into the Spain starting XI for their second group game against Italy. The 30-year-old has a strong relationship with centre-back partner Robin Le Normand, and helped Spain to clean sheets against both Italy and Albania, before turning in his best rated performance of the tournament in the last 16 win over Georgia.
Many may not have expected Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella to feature in Spain’s first-choice XI, but the 25-year-old has looked at the peak of his powers throughout the tournament so far, with Alex Grimaldo’s place on the bench inarguable at this stage. Cucurella’s WhoScored rating is the highest of any full-back to play in the competition.
In just three games for Spain at Euro 2024, Fabian Ruiz has matched his tally of goal involvements for PSG in Ligue 1 last season (4). The 28-year-old currently boasts the highest WhoScored rating at this summer’s tournament, and retains a crucial midfield role under Luis de la Fuente for his nation.
After a glistening campaign with Manchester City, Rodri has continued to look every bit the world’s best midfielder at Euro 2024. The 28-year-old’s role for Spain allows the likes of Fabian Ruiz and Pedri to advance forward and attack the box, and yet he continues to pop up with crucial moments, like his equaliser against Georgia in the round of 16.
Like Rodri for Spain, Toni Kroos is the man who truly makes Germany tick, and his recall to the national team now looks a masterstroke. Though he may be retiring after this summer’s European Championship, the 34-year-old is still one of the world’s best midfielders, showcased in the role he played as Real Madrid secured a 15th Champions League title last season.
Jamal Musiala (Germany) - 7.70
With three goals to his name so far, no player has scored more than Jamal Musiala at Euro 2024. The 21-year-old has starred under Julian Nagelsmann, playing on the left or right flank behind Kai Havertz, and his wonderfully taken finish against Denmark on Saturday evening will have eased the nerves for the hosts, in what was a fiercely competitive contest.
The fifth and final German representative in our Combined XI is Kai Havertz, who has so far retained the trust of Julian Nagelsmann to lead the line for his nation. Despite Niclas Fullkrug’s impressive substitute cameos, Havertz is key to the way Germany play, and has three goal involvements to his name so far (2 goals, 1 assist).
Rounding off our Combined XI is Spain winger Nico Williams, whose individual performances have - for many - been the highlight of the tournament so far. The 21-year-old has sparkled for La Roja, attacking along the left flank with ferocity and tenacity, with his performance against Georgia the best example yet.
