This partnership was far from a given just a few weeks ago. While the presence of Pau Cubarsi was obvious, that of Aymeric Laporte was much less so. Not that the defender is an unknown, far from it: he was a starter in central defence at the Euros alongside Robin Le Normand, who has now been dropped by Luis de la Fuente.
But after a move to Al-Nassr that he quickly regretted and a mixed return to Athletic, "Lapor", as he is called by Spanish commentators, had absolutely no guarantees about his chances of making the World Cup squad.
Always solid with Spain
His season in La Liga was rather unremarkable, much like the Leones as a whole. According to Flashscore Ratings, his average score over 25 league matches was 6.9. Hardly enough to make him an undisputed starter on paper.
Yet with Spain, the Agen-born defender is thriving. Since the Euros won in Germany, the left-sided centre-back has played 19 matches. His average Flashscore Rating? 7.8.
Since the start of the World Cup, his partnership with Cubarsi has been excellent, even if the results should be put into perspective as neither Cape Verde nor Saudi Arabia offered much attacking threat.
Nevertheless, with a rating of 8.3 against the Blue Sharks and 8.5 against the Green Falcons (with an assist to his name), Laporte has strengthened his position, even though he faces competition from Eric Garcia.
In a press conference, Laporte spoke about the knock he took against Cape Verde, which ultimately had no consequences.
"It hurt and I was doubtful for the next match but, in the end, I was able to train with the team and completed all the sessions."
Alongside the Basque, Cubarsi is shining, especially in the build-up phase where his stats are impressive: 107/109 passes against Cape Verde and 98/99 against Saudi Arabia.
The partnership has held firm so far, with no goals conceded, but even if Uruguay have been very disappointing, this match against La Celeste will be their first real test of the tournament.
Laporte will be reunited with Marcelo Bielsa, who gave him his debut at Athletic.
"We know him very well, he gave me my debut and we met again in England. I can only thank him," he said.
But there is no room for sentiment: La Roja must win, convince, and strike fear into their rivals before the knockout stage begins.
That means aiming for a third consecutive clean sheet with their defender who, at 32, already has the hallmarks of a veteran.