The value of Spain’s Patri Guijarro: ‘Watch her play and you can’t help but smile’

The ‘third’ player in Spain’s midfield is often underrated but has a crucial role in allowing Putellas and Bonmatí to thrive

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t’s England v Spain again in a major tournament final and most people know the strength of the world champions’ midfield. We have Alexia Putellas and we have Aitana Bonmatí. Superstars. But what about that third player? Who is she and what does she do?

Well, there is an unwritten rule in Spanish football which says that when Patri Guijarro plays well, so do Spain and Barcelona. Undervalued and indispensable in a midfield triangle with the two Ballon d’Or winners, the Mallorca native has become essential for club and country.

“It’s so easy to play alongside her, she makes everything easy,” said the two-time Ballon d’Or winner Putellas earlier at Euro 2025. “It’s a privilege to play with her. She’s the best pivot in the world. Every inch of the pitch she covers, she does it with quality and intelligence.”