Spain beat AlbaniaGetty Images
Richie Mills

Spain player ratings vs Albania: Ferran Torres keeps La Roja perfect! Luis de la Fuente's side show off strength in depth as second string secure Euro 2024 win

Ferran Torres ensured Spain topped their Euro 2024 group with a 100 per cent record in a much-changed La Roja side

Ferran Torres' slick finish earned Spain a 1-0 win against a spirited Albania as Luis de la Fuente's side stayed perfect in the Euros.

After making 10 changes to the side that beat Italy, Spain looked a bit sluggish early doors as Albania burst out of the blocks. However, after withstanding their ferocious start, the Spaniards took the lead in the 13th-minute thanks to Torres' clinical finish. Spain's B-team were in control for long periods, although they lost some of that as the match wore on, and eased to top spot with three wins from three. Not many sides will want to face them in the last 16, as they are yet to concede a goal, but Albania crashed out of the competition.

GOAL rates Spain's players from Merkur Spiel-Arena...

  • Spain defender Jesus NavasGetty Images

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    David Raya (7/10):

    The most noteworthy thing he did in the first half was blast the ball into the back of the unsuspecting Aymeric Laporte but got away with it. Made a number of good, reaction saves in both halves, however.

    Jesus Navas (8/10):

    Somebody needs to check his birth certificate as the 38-year-old was playing with the energy of someone 10 years his junior. The veteran was whizzing up and down the right flank, creating a host of chances; while proving age is just a number.

    Daniel Vivian (6/10):

    The Athletic Bilbao centre-back largely kept Albania's attack under wraps but had one or two nerve-jangling moments in defence.

    Aymeric Laporte (6/10):

    Was the only player to keep his place in the starting XI from the Italy victory and had very little to do in his 45-minute display.

    Alejandro Grimaldo (7/10):

    Provided a number of excellent crosses into the box from left-back. Will keep Marc Cucurella on his toes for the left-back spot.

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  • Spain's Dani OlmoGetty Images

    Midfield

    Martin Zubimendi (7/10):

    Did some of the unseen work in what was a solid, if unspectacular, display for Spain. Put in the hard yards for his side.

    Mikel Merino (7/10):

    Could have scored a couple of goals if he had his shooting boots on. Played a role in helping Spain win that midfield battle.

    Dani Olmo (8/10):

    The RB Leipzig man looked silky smooth in attack and provided a delightful through-ball for Torres' opener. Helped create a host of chances for his team and is a good option to have deeper into the tournament.

  • Spain's Ferran TorresGetty Images

    Attack

    Ferran Torres (8/10):

    Took his goal in fine style: the timing of his run was superb and he topped it off with a smart, left-footed finish. He was a livewire on the right and the left wing as he caused Albania all sorts of problems.

    Joselu (7/10):

    Offers something a bit different with his size and old-fashioned centre-forward play, as Spain repeatedly whipped balls into the box; rather than their more typical intricate passing style. Inches away from scoring an acrobatic cracker.

    Mikel Oyarzabal (6/10):

    Was the quietest of Spain's front three and didn't do enough to put his hand up for a starting role next time out.

  • Spain boss Luis de la FuenteGetty Images

    Subs & Manager

    Robin Le Normand (6/10):

    Didn't look all that convincing when he came on as Spain tried to withstand Albanian pressure.

    Fermin Lopez (6/10):

    Showed plenty of energy but not much quality when introduced.

    Alvaro Morata (6/10):

    Fashioned himself one or two opportunities after replacing Joselu.

    Lamine Yamal (7/10):

    The 16-year-old showed some of his usual spark when he came on. Pulled off a delicious first touch but his second wasn't nearly as good.

    Alex Baena (7/10):

    The man with the most assists in La Liga this season (14) looked sharp in the game's dying embers.

    Luis de la Fuente (7/10):

    Rang the changes for this contest but it seemed to make little difference as they were, on the whole, a well-oiled machine against Albania. This is a side full of confidence and with a whole host of options to choose from. However, his side dropped off as the contest wore on and his substitutes didn't have a great impact.