With Spain already securing their spot in the Round of 16 of Euro 2024 as the top team in Group B, coach Luis de la Fuente plans to reward his squad's efforts by potentially rotating the lineup against Albania. This move would give fresh players a chance to debut and allow some rest for those who have played extensively.

Key players for de la Fuente in Euro 2024 have been six footballers. Unai Simón, Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, and Marc Cucurella have played every minute of the matches against Croatia and Italy. Fabián Ruiz has accumulated 179 minutes, while Rodri had to be substituted for cramps four minutes into the first match.

De la Fuente aimed to repeat his lineup for the first time since becoming the head coach of the national team, following the positive performance in the debut match at Berlin's Olympiastadion against Croatia. However, a muscle issue for Nacho Fernández necessitated a change, bringing Aymeric Laporte into the starting eleven.

So far, 19 Spanish internationals have debuted in Euro 2024 across the two victorious matches. Those yet to make their tournament debut include goalkeepers David Raya and Álex Remiro, and outfield players Jesús Navas, Dani Vivian, Alejandro Grimaldo, Fermín, and Joselu Mato. All are expected to get their chance to play, either from the start or off the bench, in Düsseldorf.

Positive surprises for de la Fuente, who have become essential players despite not initially being guaranteed starters, include Cucurella and Fabián. They have outperformed Grimaldo and Mikel Merino in their positions and have been pivotal in Spain's victories over Croatia and Italy.

Conversely, players like Dani Olmo, who has only played 31 minutes against Croatia and not featured against Italy, and Mikel Merino, with just 24 minutes of game time, have seen reduced roles compared to the qualifying phase. Both are expected to start against Albania, along with Martín Zubimendi, who will replace the suspended Rodri after playing just four minutes so far.