Álex Baena
Takes four corners in win
Baena recorded one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (none accurate) and four corners in Friday's 2-1 win versus Belgium.
Analysis: Baena continues to start on the left side of the attack, but his impact hasn't been very big outside of sending crosses and corners into the box. The Atletico Madrid player, who scored the game-winner against Uruguay, has a good chance to start in the semifinal match against France on Tuesday since Nico Williams, who came off the bench Friday, might not be ready to play a full 90 yet.
Leads match in crosses
Baena had three shots (two on goal), seven crosses (zero accurate) and five corners in Monday's 1-0 win against Portugal.
Analysis: Baena was all over the attack in his 75 minutes of work despite walking away without a goal contribution, notching three shots and a match-leading seven crosses. However, it ended his two-match streak with a goal contribution, earning one goal and an assist at this World Cup. With four straight starts and productive outings in his past few games, he is likely to remain in the starting XI.
Assists in win over Austria
Baena assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal), seven crosses (two accurate) and six corners in Thursday's 3-0 win versus Austria.
Analysis: Baena delivered an assist in Spain's second goal with a pinpoint cross that was nodded home by Pedro Porro from close range. Baena has been starting at left wing due to the absences of Nico Williams (groin) and Yeremi Pino (collarbone), but he's been delivering strong performances time and time again. In three starts, Baena has one goal, one assist, five shots, three chances created, 20 crosses and 14 corners taken.
Nets lone goal Friday
Baena scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), six crosses (two accurate) and four corners in Friday's 1-0 win against Uruguay. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 46th minute.
Analysis: Baena would score the lone goal of the match Friday with a bit of fortune, as a long-range strike that looked to be an easy save was parried into the net by Uruguayan keeper Fernando Muslera for a goal. This gave Baena his first goal contribution of the tournament, only recording three shots and three chances created in his two appearances thus far. He will look to remain in the starting role on the left of the attack, although Nico Williams will also have a strong case for that role in the knockouts.
Starts, records seven crosses
Baena recorded two shots, two chances created and seven crosses in Sunday's 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Analysis: Baena would get the start Sunday after not playing at all in their opener, with the midfielder recording 61 minutes of play. He would lead his team in crosses with seven, likely benefiting from having duties on four corner kicks. A starting role for the midfielder will be tough to keep, as Nico Williams will likely push for that role moving forward.
Suspension cleared
Baena is no longer suspended and is an option moving forward for the club.
Analysis: Baena has served his suspension due to yellow card accumulation in La Liga and is set to return in the next contest. The midfielder is expected to resume his rotational role moving forward.
Picks up suspension
Baena is suspended for one match due to yellow card accumulation.
Analysis: Baena is heading to the sidelines for one of the final three matches this season, set to miss out against Osasuna on Tuesday due to suspension. He did start the last match, but has been more of a rotational player for the club, with Rodrigo Mendoza or Obed Vargas as viable options due to the injuries in the midfield.
Assists in win over Athletic
Baena assisted once to go with three crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-2 win versus Athletic.
Analysis: Baena got involved in the decisive goal by returning a ball to Alexander Sorloth during the 54th minute of the weekend's game. The midfielder excelled in playmaking duties, generating another big chance in addition to the assist. He bounced back from a poor run of form, ending a 10-game drought in terms of goal contributions. He'll hope to remain a steady presence going forward, helping his team through intelligent passing and occasional set-piece service.
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