Fermín López handed first competitive Spain start against Croatia

Barcelona midfielder earns senior Spain bow from the off

Fermín López is set to make his first competitive start for Spain on Tuesday night, with Luis de la Fuente poised to hand the Barcelona midfielder a place in the XI for La Roja's Nations League clash with Croatia at the Sánchez-Pizjuán.

The 23-year-old was an unused substitute as Spain opened their campaign with a victory over England at Wembley, a fixture in which club teammate Dani Olmo was preferred in the attacking midfield role. That is set to change in Seville.

According to a report from Diario Sport: "Fermín López will start this Tuesday against Croatia. In principle, Luis de la Fuente is expected to bet on the Barça midfielder in Spain's second match in this Nations League, at the Sánchez-Pizjuán."

Should the forecast prove accurate, it will represent a significant milestone for the Barcelona academy graduate, who will take to the pitch as a starter for Spain in a competitive fixture for the very first time in his career.

De la Fuente's side travel to Andalusia in high spirits after putting England to the sword at Wembley over the weekend, a result that got their Nations League defence up and running. The rotation that sees López come into the side against Croatia reflects the depth of options at the coach's disposal in the final third of the pitch.

For López, the opportunity caps a remarkable rise through the ranks at both club and country, and a strong showing against Croatia could cement his place in the Spain setup heading into the next round of fixtures.