Julián Álvarez, Argentina
When you play alongside Lionel Messi, the spotlight is both a blessing and a curse. For Julián Álvarez, the 2026 World Cup has been a tournament of quiet toil rather than explosive impact. The Manchester City forward arrived in North America with huge
expectations, seen as a vital component of Argentina's attacking machine. Yet, his journey through the tournament has been underwhelming. During the group stages, he struggled to find chemistry with his teammates, failing to register a single goal or assist. This lack of decisive contribution raised questions about his role, especially in a team where Messi has been carrying an immense offensive load, leading the tournament in goals. While Argentina have battled their way to the final, often through late-game heroics, they cannot rely solely on Messi's magic against a defensively resolute Spanish side that has conceded just once all tournament. Álvarez’s work rate is never in question, but finals are won by moments of clinical finishing. He was functional but far from spectacular in the semi-final win over England. For Argentina to become back-to-back champions, they need their other star forward to rediscover his predatory instincts and provide a much-needed second threat.
Lamine Yamal, Spain
At just 19 years old, Lamine Yamal is already a global phenomenon, a player who causes panic in defences every time he touches the ball. After a sensational Euro 2024, he entered the World Cup as one of Spain's most-hyped talents. He started the tournament brightly, scoring in a group stage match, but since then, the goals and assists have dried up. For a player of his calibre, a lack of direct goal contributions in the entire knockout phase is a noticeable drought, a point even highlighted in early-tournament roundups of underperformers. Spain’s journey to the final has been built on a foundation of suffocating control and near-impenetrable defence. Their attack, however, has been more functional than flamboyant. While Yamal's pace and dribbling have still been a factor—he visibly troubled the French defence in the semi-final—the final product has been missing. He is facing the ultimate test against Argentina, a team known for its tactical discipline and resilience. For Spain to lift the trophy, they will need more than just threatening runs from their teenage prodigy; they will need him to deliver a decisive goal or assist and turn his immense potential into final-winning impact.
Ferran Torres, Spain
Ferran Torres’s World Cup campaign has been a frustrating one. The winger was singled out for his ineffectiveness during the group stage, where he struggled to make an impact and was criticised for losing possession and failing to challenge defenders. His performances were described as leaving Spain's attack looking 'toothless' whenever he was on the pitch, a stark contrast to the team's overall dominance in possession. For a player known for his goal-scoring ability for both club and country, his struggles have been a major talking point for a Spanish side that has at times lacked a cutting edge. As Spain prepares for a final against the reigning world champions, every player must be at their absolute best. Whether starting or coming off the bench, Torres represents a potential game-changer who has yet to fire. Against an experienced and rugged Argentinian backline, Spain cannot afford any passengers in attack. The final offers a shot at redemption. A single moment of quality—a sharp run, a clinical finish—could erase the memory of a difficult tournament and remind the world of the threat he poses. Spain will need that version of Torres if they are to break down the South American giants.
