Since winning the European Championship in a row with the 2010 World Cup title in between, Spain has been a flop at major football tournaments as the team’s aging veterans have lost their luster.
Since winning the European Championship in a row with the 2010 World Cup in between, Spain has been a flop at major football tournaments because the team’s aging veterans have lost their luster.
Luis Enrique, who after the debacle at the World Cup in 2018 took over the national team for the first time, has not shy away from rejuvenating the squad with little-known players in their early twenties. He even removed veteran Sergio Ramos from his squad after the Real Madrid defender had injury problems this season. « There were some young players who surprised us, » said Luis Enrique. “We still have the potential to grow a lot further. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m not denying that we are favorites (in the group), not because of our performance, but because of the performances of our ancestors. I’m not afraid of this challenge. ”
Luis Enrique has experimented in practically every position all year, so new faces are expected when Spain plays in Group E against Sweden, Poland and Slovakia – all in Seville.
The coach’s new offensive players include Ferran Torres (21) from Manchester City, Dani Olmo (23) from Leipzig, Pedri González (18) from Barcelona and Adama Traoré (25) from Wolverhampton.
It remains However, the question of who will carry the scorers’ burden for a team that has been without a top striker since the international resignations of David Villa and Fernando Torres.
Álvaro Morata has scored 19 goals in 39 games for Spain, but the striker from Juventus has never excelled in a major tournament. Gerard Moreno scored 30 goals for Villarreal and helped the team win the Europa League this season, but even at 29, he’s untested in a major competition. The same doubts apply to Mikel Oyarzabal, who helped Real Sociedad win the postponed 2020 Copa del Rey title in April. Barcelona phenomenon Ansu Fati is injured.
Even if old master Sergio Busquets can anchor the midfield again, he is accompanied by more dynamic players who are looking for a quick shot rather than the stifling possession of the great Spanish teams of the past.
Portugal’s Renato Sanches, center, tries to overtake the Spaniard Pablo Sarabia (left) and Sergio Busquets in the international match on June 4th. Image: AP
The biggest concern is Spain’s defense. Ramos, one of the most important holdovers from the days of winning the title, took the team’s penalties and took the lead on the field.
With 180 games for Spain, Ramos has the most appearances for any European nation and was well on his way to breaking Egyptian player Ahmed Hassan’s world record of 184.
Luis Enrique was already worried about who would occupy the center of his four-man defense and the absence of Ramos makes it even more difficult. He’s tried Eric García from City and Pau Torres from Villarreal.
The national team got a big boost when center-back Aymeric Laporte moved from France to Spain, where he played for Athletic before moving to City.
Unai Simón, the 23-year-old Athletic goalkeeper, has relegated David de Gea to a substitute role. But Enrique might be tempted to try something new in Spain’s friendlies before the tournament starts.All three of Spain’s group games will be played in front of some home fans in Seville – although the number is limited due to the pandemic. The host team will open the game against Sweden on June 14th, then face Poland on June 19th and Slovakia on June 23rd.
As the fans there will know, Spain is both about to win big and too big Capable of disappointments.
They defeated Germany 6-0 in the Nations League in November, but also played a 1-1 draw against Greece at home in the World Cup qualifiers in March.
« We have a young team who wants to grow and is hungry, ”said Luis Enrique. “I don’t know how far we’ll go; whether we make it to the final, whether we only make it to the semi-finals or the quarter-finals, or not get out of the group stage at all.
« But one thing I know is that we’re going to be a tough rival against him it becomes uncomfortable for our opponents. «
Changed date:
June 07, 2021 3:37:08 PM IST
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