EXCLUSIVE: Luque backs Arsenal star Raya to start for Spain at World Cup

The World Cup is just around the corner. How do you see the Spanish national team?

"The Spanish national team are European champions, they've won a Nations League, were runners-up in the last one. I think they're favourites, with a young squad, balanced by internationally proven veterans.

"So they're one of the teams to beat and, as we've seen in recent tournaments, they'll go out there with their usual hunger to show they want to be champions."

Do you think that the pressure of being clear contenders, and despite already having won a lot, is actually beneficial, considering how young many of the players are? 

"Well, if you were talking about other players... but I think these players actually perform at their best under pressure, in key moments. They've already shown it both with the national team and their clubs, so I have no doubt that when the crucial moments come, they'll show their best.

"The veterans have proven it a hundred thousand times, and the youngsters, well, you know the names: Nico (Williams), Lamine (Yamal), and so on. Pedri, even as young as he is, Gavi... I could keep naming as many as you want, but these guys don't get shaky under pressure."

And what about some of those who aren't talked about as much, who are more in the background in the squad right now - do you think any of them could end up standing out more than the stars themselves?

"I think the players expected to lead will do so, and there are always surprises at a World Cup. But talking about surprises for Spain... there really aren't surprises anymore, and anyone who stands out is already a proven player.

"Playing for the Spanish national team is extremely tough, so if someone stands out, it's no surprise to anyone."

Does this team have anything in common with the 2010 squad?

"The 2010 team was more experienced. I'd say, position by position, in terms of level, the 2010 squad was just a bit better, but I think this team could hold its own against the 2010 side, or against Argentina from the last World Cup. They can compete with any opponent in front of them."

Why he chose De la Fuente

Spain in 2010 was all about tiki-taka, but this team seems more evolved - still keeping the passing and possession, but more direct and with more width. Would you agree?

"It all started several years ago, when Luis Rubiales and I decided to back Luis de la Fuente. We knew he was a coach who had won a lot with these players in the youth categories, and we knew it was his time, that he could also give his best with the senior team.

"At first, there was a lot of debate about him, but then he won everything and showed he knows how to get the best out of the team. He lets the players take centre stage, and he stays in the background. It's a very easy dressing room to manage, so they've put together the perfect combination to win."

As sporting director of the Spanish national team, was it a tough call for you to end the Luis Enrique era and go for De la Fuente? Did you believe he could reach this level as a coach?

"We knew he was a great coach, that he could be a great manager. It was a risky move because we had total confidence in him - otherwise, we wouldn't have chosen Luis de la Fuente - and he's proven us right.

"It wasn't easy at all, because we were coming off an era with Luis Enrique, and as you can see, he's a top coach, but we felt it was time for a change and, as you know, it's worked out for the better, both for Luis Enrique and for the national team."

Apart from Spain, Albert, is there any other team that catches your eye, besides the usual France, Argentina, and Brazil?

"I'd also say Portugal. Portugal is a team I really like, and I'd also mention England - they're a tough team to beat and compete really well. It's going to be a World Cup of the highest level, and I'd put those two, Portugal and England, right up there."

Finally, Albert, let me put you on the spot: Joan Garcia, David Raya or Unai Simon?

"If I have to pick, David Raya. Of course, it's up to the coach to choose who he thinks is best, but all three are among the best. Unai Simon - everyone knows the level he's given the national team, I think he's been close to perfect.

"Joan Garcia is a global sensation as a goalkeeper; he's been outstanding at Barca. But I've seen David Raya train with the national team for a long time, we've seen him in that Champions League final, and I think for me, he's top three in the world right now in goalkeeping."