Spain in Euro 2006 to the FIFA World Cup 2010 saw one of the most glorious, and dominant teams to grace the international stage in recent times. La Fury Roja sensationalized football under Vincente Del Bosque winning back-to-back European Championships and a FIFA World Cup. They were unstoppable, but have since disappointed on the international stage.
Former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has come in to stabilize the Spanish National team and attempts to guide them to another European Championship. There has been a lot of controversy with the Spanish national squad over recent years, notably the political arena of Catalonia playing a vital role in the national squad with the likes of Gerrard Pique and Pedro.
Incredibly though, no Real Madrid players have been chosen to represent Spain this year with the massive loss of Sergio Ramos following injury. Spain still boasts some talented players including young prospects that have sensationalized in their respective leagues, but can they all gel together in time to produce for the national team?
Spain Squad
Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Manchester United), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), Robert Sanchez (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Defenders: Jose Gaya (Valencia), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Eric Garcia (Manchester City), Diego Llorente (Leeds United), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodri Hernandez (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona), Thiago Alcantara (Liverpool), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Fabian Ruiz (Napoli)
Forwards: Dani Olmo (Leipzig), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Gerard Moreno (Villarreal), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Ferran Torres (Manchester City), Adama Traore (Wolves), Pablo Sarabia (Paris Saint-Germain)
Spain’s Key Players
Spain has always produced incredibly gifted players, and this year their squad is no different. Forwards Adama Traore and Ferran Torres will be looking to carry their form from the Premier League, Traore is mercurial, has a great cross in him, and is physically strong on the ball. Ferran is a gifted dribbler and will look to make darting runs cutting from the wings.
Thiago has picked up his form at the most crucial time and will look to control the midfield as he usually does. Barcelona youngster Pedri has an incredible eye for a pass and is speedy on the ball. Rodri has been sensational for Man City in the defensive role, but he might play a different role for the National team.
How Will Spain Fare?
Spain are currently 7/1 favorites to win the tournament and on paper, they possess an incredibly young and gifted squad. They have pace, quality both on and off the ball, and a superbly balanced midfield. Their defense is an interesting position to keep an eye on, as we gather who will be Luis Enrique’s preferred partnership. If De Gea is to keep his place as the number 1 for Spain he will need his form to return, fast.
Luis Enrique is a great tactician, and many doubters thought he’d want to incorporate the “Barcelona” way of playing into the Spain national team, but he has since silenced his doubters with incredible performances as they create their own identity around the young stars that they have, all across Europe.
Spain is one of the best teams in Europe and expects them to be in the knockout rounds. They will need to be at their best especially if they come up against the likes of Belgium, France, and Portugal. Spain manager Luis Enrique has insisted that his philosophy of playing fast possession-based football is still key to beating teams like Germany and France and believes the squad he has chosen is more than capable of winning the tournament.
Fixtures
Spain is grouped alongside Slovakia, Sweden, and Poland are favorites to top the group. Sweden is without the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Poland will look to the likes of Robert Lewandowski to cause the Spanish defense issues. Overall, it looks like a clear path to the knockout rounds.
Spain vs Sweden – June 15th
Spain vs Poland – June 20th
Spain vs Slovakia – June 24th
Catch up with all the action in the Euro’s with us, and comment below on how you see the Spanish team doing in the tournament.
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