The USWNT vs. Spain: Who Has the Better Roster?
Spain is the defending World Cup champion and is one of the top two favorites to win the gold medal alongside the United States. While the USWNT stumbled at the World Cup, they now enter the Olympics with a chance to right that wrong, along with their loss to Canada four years ago. Both rosters are stacked with superstar talent, and while games aren’t won on paper, looking at each roster to see who might have an edge is always a fun exercise. Let’s compare. USWNT vs. Spain: who has the better roster overall?
Goalkeepers: USWNT vs. Spain
Spain Goalkeepers: Cata Coll (Barcelona), Misa Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
USA Goalkeepers: Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage)
Edge: USA
Cata Coll had a breakthrough campaign this past season for Barcelona. After being the backup, she was entrusted as the starter for the second half of the season. Coll would start in the Champions League Final victory over Lyon, and she started in the World Cup Final two years ago. Coll has big game experience, which will help her. But at the same time, she’s playing in front of a great team that possesses the ball. As a result, Coll doesn’t get tested as much. The choice here is clear: Alyssa Naeher’s resume speaks for itself; she’s the better keeper.
Defenders: USWNT vs. Spain
Spain Defenders: Laia Aleixandri (Manchester City), Ona Batlle (Barcelona), Olga Carmona (Real Madrid), Laia Codina (Arsenal), Oihane Hernandez (Real Madrid), Irene Paredes (Barcelona)
USA Defenders: Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Jenna Nighswonger (Gotham FC), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)
Spain’s starting backline is solid, and they are all established players for their respective clubs. Irene Paredes has been a massive part of Barcelona’s dominance, holding it down at the back. Ona Battle recently joined Barcelona from Manchester United, and Olga Carmona was the star of the World Cup final with her incredible goal. All six USWNT defenders can start in any game and play well.
For the first time in a long time, Crystal Dunn hasn’t been listed as a defender for the USWNT. The addition of Casey Krueger, a steadfast defender, is in the team, and she deserves this chance more than anyone. The USWNT’s depth would be slightly better than Spain’s if one of their defenders picked up an injury. It’s a slight edge, but overall, the six defenders the USWNT have are better.
Edge: USA
Midfielders: USWNT vs. Spain
Spain Midfielders: Teresa Abelleira (Real Madrid), Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona), Patri Guijarro (Barcelona), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona), Jennifer Hermoso (Tigres)
USA Midfielders: Korbin Albert (PSG), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Lindsey Horan (Lyon), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC)
Lindsey Horan is an obvious choice, and Emma Hayes can pick between Sam Coffey and Rose Lavelle for the final midfield spot. However, Spain’s midfield is untouchable and the best in the field by a wide margin. The last two players to win the Ballon d’Or are in their midfield with Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas. Then, having Patri and Jenni Hermoso is almost unfair. Spain’s ability to control the game through their midfield with suffocating spells of possession makes them tough to beat. The USWNT’s midfield is good, but it’s certainly not at the level of Spain’s.
Edge: Spain
Forwards: USWNT vs. Spain
Spain Forwards: Mariona Caldentey (Barcelona), Lucia Garcia (C.F. Monterrey), Eva Navarro (Atletico Madrid), Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)
USA Forwards: Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave), Crystal Dunn (Gotham FC), Lynn Williams (Gotham FC)
Salma Paralluelo was a breakout star at the World Cup. Her dribbling and finishing ability helped Spain tremendously throughout the tournament. The 20-year-old star will have to play a similar role alongside her Barcelona teammate Mariona Caldentey. Caldentey and Paralluelo are a strong front pair who can take over the game. Plus, their midfield behind them gets them the ball in attacking positions where they can shine. Lucia Garcia is also a solid third option off the bench to come in and change the game.
Spain’s attack is excellent, but the USWNT’s three starters are in incredible form. Swanson, Smith, and Rodman have all taken their game to another level as they consistently destroy NWSL defenses. They’re developing strong chemistry with each other, and if they play like they have been this NWSL season, they should be able to carry the USWNT. Plus, Crystal Dunn and Jaedyn Shaw can come off the bench just in case, which is incredible depth to have.
Edge: USA
Just because the USA has a deeper roster doesn’t necessarily mean that the gap is that great. Spain’s midfield is arguably the greatest in the history of women’s soccer, and the team can win any game at any time. We can only hope that these two teams will meet in the Gold Medal match on Saturday, August 10th. It’s a loaded field of teams, but these teams are two of the best, and there isn’t much separating them. One thing is for sure: the USWNT has leveled up since the World Cup, and having not tasted a major tournament win since 2019 means they’re eager to get back to their winning ways.
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