Spain in Euro 2020: 5 'Ones to Watch'

Nine years on from their Euro 2012 win, La Selección (The Spanish National Team) will be going into the tournament as underdogs, to say the least. A lot has changed since Spain's golden generation, which won back-to-back Euros with a World Cup win in the middle. Their once impenetrable defence, now looking más débil (weaker), their stellar midfield, now lacking quality; and their once blistering attack, now looking slightly more toothless. It is hard to maintain high-quality performances when some of the best footballers begin to age and, ultimately, retire: Xavi, Iniesta, Silva, Villa, Torres; among others.

Source: The Athletic

There is, however, a reason to be optimistic for those who, like myself, have a soft spot for the Spanish team. With former Barcelona manager, Luis Enrique, back at the helm following a hiatus through family tragedy in 2019, he is an accountable and empathetic leader who knows how to get the best from his players. Tactically, Enrique is known in Spain for his well-drilled sides that love playing on the front foot, something that is favourable for tournament football as taking the iniciativa (initiative) can make all the difference. Enrique opted to leave one of the country's most decorated players out of the squad in the lesionado (injured) Sergio Ramos. Without his presence, he will be relying on youth to take this opportunity to push España on. Here are five players who might just cause a pleasant surprise at this season's Euros.

1) Aymeric Laporte

First on the list is Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte, a player born in Francia (France) who changed allegiance for Spain only a few months ago. He was eligible due to spending many years playing for Athletic Club Bilbao and through family links to El País Vasco (Basque Country). More importantly, for Enrique, Laporte will be seen as the lynch-pin in the back line for Spain. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and that could make him the catalyst on the counter, as well as providing a cool head during stressful situations, if the side are to progress to the latter stages of the competition. Under Pep Guardiola he was one of the first names on the team-sheet, that is until he was displaced last season by Portuguese defender, Rúben Días. If he is to dislodge Días or Stones for the coming season, then he will need a good Euros- he has it all to prove. Uno para tomar nota (One to watch, or to take note of).

Source: www.football-espana.net

2) Marcos Llorente

Leading light of this season's La-Liga-winning-side for Atleti, midfielder Marcos Llorente enters the Euros on the back of a great season. Under El Cholo, Diego Simeone, he has played centro campista (centre-mid), delantero (striker), defensa lateral derecha (right back) and many more positions. His versatility in itself will be of use to Enrique, but it is his goal contributions and style of play that has got him on this list of ones to watch. This season he scored 12 times in La Liga, with 11 assists, with his most influential performances coming towards the back-end of the season when many were expecting Atleti to bottle it. This resilience and his ability to lead by example will be very much needed if Spain are to have a good campaign.

Source: www.twitter.com

3) Gerard Moreno

Another jugador (player) that has enjoyed success at club-level this season is Europa-League-winner, Gerard Moreno, of Villarreal. The 29 year-old is yet to represent his country at an international tournament and he will certainly be relishing this opportunity. As for his form this season, he netted 23 league goals and seven times in the Europa League. Despite his success at Villarreal, his performances have seen him linked with some of the top sides in Europe. If he has a good Euros, then those rumours will become much more common and, if he is looking for a move, then playing for Spain would provide that shop-window for him. Enrique normally trusts Moreno to lead the line and his proven goal-scoring past will bode well for him to get a place starting. Spanish ojos (eyes) will be focused on whether he can be a talisman for the national team and provide the goals to propel them out of the group stage.

Source: www.fourfourtwo.com

4) Rodri

Like Laporte, Rodri was part of Man City's double-winning season this time out. One of Pep Guardiola's most trusted lieutenants, Rodri has everything it takes to be a leader in this Spanish side. With Busquets a doubt due to testing positive for COVID, Rodri has the chance to fill the boots of the many great Spanish midfielders that have graced this competition over the years. His no-nonsense nature is an underrated trait in tournament football as it can ensue calmness to others in the squad. Defensively, he is sound and can be the ancla (anchor) in the middle of the park and allow more creative players around him, like Llorente and Thiago, to express themselves and free the attackers to get goals. It will be an interesting competition to see how much he can establish himself, with a view to the upcoming World Cup where he could become one of the most important players, if he has a good showing in the Euros.

Source: www.goal.com

5) Pedri

Last on the list is the real comodín (wildcard) of the pack. Pedri, the 18-year-old, earned his place in the squad after a successful debut season in an otherwise off-the-boil Barcelona side. He was part of the Copa del Rey winning side against Athletic Club Bilbao, putting in a great shift at every stage of the competition. Pedri has been able to enjoy a great season, filling the void left by the injured Ansu Fati- a player who would have definitely been in the side, had he have been fit. One thing that Pedri does bring to this side is his drive. With the ball at his feet, he easily changes direction and can dribble past multiple defenders, before finding an inch-perfect pass. He has talent in abundance and that is seen with his close connection with Leo Messi, who rates him- high praise indeed. It is yet to be seen if Enrique will chance Pedri in the starting alineación (line-up), even off the bench he will make an impact and freshen up the side if they find themselves behind or at stalemate.

Source: www.espn.com

We are yet to see the success that Spain will have at the Euros, these five players will do their all to influence matches and bring success back to Spain.

Squad list in full:

Porteros (Goalkeepers): David de Gea (Manchester United), Unai Simón (Athletic), Robert Sánchez (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Defensores (Defenders): José Gayà (Valencia), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Eric García (Manchester City), Diego Llorente (Leeds United), César Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Mediocampistas (Midfielders): Thiago Alcántara (Liverpool), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Koke (Atlético), Marcos Llorente (Atlético), Dani Olmo (Leipzig), Rodri (Manchester City), Fabián Ruiz (Napoli), Pablo Sarabia (Paris), Ferran Torres (Manchester City), Adama Traoré (Wolves)

Delanteros (Forwards): Álvaro Morata (Juventus), Gerard Moreno (Villarreal), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Pedri (Barcelona)