"That's the tactical approach we'll use against Italy. Tomorrow's match against Gibraltar will serve as our live rehearsal."
"I'll rotate the squad tomorrow, but everyone on the bench must stay fully focused on the flow of the game. I want you to truly understand the new system we're building."
After arriving at the hotel, the team had just one day to rest before Lopetegui immediately began tactical training.
Since the players had all been called up from different clubs, there was little natural chemistry between them. Training was therefore crucial.
Lopetegui focused on drilling the Ball Control system. This Spain side clearly carried elements of Guardiola's influence.
During training, Leo Lin worked closely with Iniesta and Busquets, and was occasionally grouped with Koke.
He could tell that Lopetegui was still experimenting with new formations. His inclusion had disrupted Spain's original midfield structure.
All attention was fixed on the national team. In the final two matches of the World Cup qualifiers, Spain first faced Gibraltar. Lopetegui fielded a fully rotated lineup.
Not a single regular starter played, yet Spain still cruised to a 5–0 victory.
Gibraltar were simply too weak—their performance on the pitch was hardly different from that of an amateur side.
After securing the three points, the Spanish squad returned to the hotel that night and celebrated briefly before turning their focus to the next day's decisive clash against Italy.
The winner would secure first place in the group and advance directly to the World Cup finals.
Lopetegui wrestled with his decision. He wanted to start Leo Lin, but worried the lineup lacked enough cohesion.
Spain's midfield was clearly in transition. Iniesta and Busquets were no longer at the peak of their powers. David Silva remained excellent, but Lopetegui had consistently deployed him out wide.
Fans around the world were locked in on this blockbuster matchup. Italy, famed for their defensive discipline, against Spain and their elegant Ball Control—who would claim the top spot?
February 1st. One hour remained before kickoff in the final round of the European World Cup qualifiers.
Major broadcasts went live early. Hundreds of millions of viewers waited in front of their screens.
In the ESPN studio, Derek Rae anxiously awaited Spain's starting lineup.
Naturally, he hoped Leo Lin would start.
In Spain's broadcast booth, Casillas, David Villa, and Xavi were also waiting for the announcement.
Finally, at 7 PM CET—one hour before kickoff—Spain officially submitted their lineup.
Derek Rae and Casillas reacted almost identically, quickly grabbing the team sheet from their assistant. When they saw Leo Lin's name, both let out a long breath of relief.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Spain have submitted their starting lineup!"
"In goal: De Gea. At left back, Alba from Barcelona. At right back, Carvajal from Real Madrid. The center-back pairing is Sergio Ramos alongside Piqué."
"As the lone holding midfielder, Busquets. On the left side of midfield, David Silva from Manchester City. On the right side, Lin from Liverpool."
"On the right wing, Isco of Real Madrid. Up front, Asensio—also from Real Madrid. On the left wing, Iniesta from Barcelona."
"On the bench, outstanding players like Koke and Morata stand ready."
"Worth noting—the number 8 shirt, previously worn by Koke, is now on Leo Lin. Koke has switched to number 16."
"To be handed the number 8 on his very first national team call-up speaks volumes about the Spanish Football Federation's faith in Lin. He is without question the most talked-about young player in world football."
"After all, his valuation stands at a staggering €75 million. Even in a star-studded Spain side, that puts him among the elite."
Seeing Leo Lin in the starting eleven, Casillas finally relaxed. In his view, this Spanish midfield needed exactly this kind of young, aggressive spark.
"Now let's look at Italy. They've also gone with their strongest available lineup."
"In goal is the legendary Buffon. At left back, Spinazzola. At right back, Darmian. In central defense, Bonucci partners Barzagli."
"In midfield, Verratti lines up alongside De Rossi, with Insigne on the left and Candreva on the right."
"Up front, the strike pairing is the powerful Immobile and Belotti. Italy have set up in a 4-4-2 Formation, clearly aiming for a Defensive Counter approach against Spain's Ball Control 4-3-3 Formation."
In the locker rooms, both sets of starters were ready.
Leo Lin, wearing the number 8 shirt, tightened the laces on his boots as captain Sergio Ramos stood to speak.
"I know we've already secured our place at the World Cup, but that's not enough. We want top spot in this group. We want every Spanish fan who supports us to be proud."
"It's time to show them the power of La Furia Roja."
Sergio Ramos strode out first, tall and commanding. The Spanish players followed.
Leo Lin walked at the back, number 8 on his back. Though young, his presence was no less imposing than the established stars around him—perhaps the confidence of a €75 million man showed in the way he carried himself.
On the Italian side, De Rossi led as captain. Bringing up the rear was the slightly built Insigne, who looked friendly enough.
When Insigne spotted Leo Lin, he immediately offered a polite greeting. In today's football world, hardly anyone didn't know his name.
The €75 million price tag was still trending across social media.
Referee Oliver led both teams onto the pitch.
As Leo Lin stepped forward into the floodlit Spanish stadium, the bright lights hit him head-on.
The roar from the stands was deafening.
Every Spanish fan was chanting his name.
"Lin!!!"
"Lin!!!"
...
Leo Lin raised his hand and waved toward the stands in acknowledgment.
The Spanish fans adored him. Just the thought of Leo Lin playing for Spain made them dizzy with excitement.
Moments later, the match kicked off.
Leo Lin immediately occupied the central channel. Lopetegui's tactical instruction to him was simple—attack De Rossi.
Lopetegui had called De Rossi the pivot of Italy's system. Before the match, he'd patted Leo Lin on the shoulder and said:
"As long as you smash through De Rossi, I guarantee we'll win."
"He's like Italy's diaper. If you can rip him off, Italy won't be able to hold anything back."
It didn't take long for De Rossi to notice that a relentless youngster was constantly probing the space behind him.
The sheer strength and physicality unsettled him, knocking him off balance and even forcing him out of position defensively.