The two time European champions, and one time world champions would be a team to watch out for in Russia. They are one of the early favourites to lift the World Cup. It’s hard to argue why. They have a squad capable of winning, and many of the squad members have tasted success at the tournament back in 2010.
You don’t have to look beyond Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, David de Gea, David Silva, and Isco, to understand the amount of talent and proven winners they have in their squad. It’s scary to think that midfielders like Saul and Koke might not even make the starting eleven. That’s depth right there. Many believe they have the best defence in the world, and we are not arguing. Add Jordi Alba and Carvajal to the Ramos and Pique at the heart of the defence, and it looks top draw.
They will rely on Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa and Celta da Vigo’s Iago Aspas for goals. While they can also call upon Asensio, Rodrigo and Vasquez from the bench. The forward line is said to be the weak link in an otherwise world-class Spain squad.
But they would know that their midfield can chip in with goals and ease pressure on their forwards. The Spanish contingent will also be looking to put behind the debacle of 2014, when they were knockout in the group stages.
It would come as a no surprise it Spain repeat their 2010 heroics and win their second World Cup title.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao).
Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea).
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid).
Forwards: Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid).
Key Players:
Isco, Real Madrid
Andres Iniesta is (arguably) the greatest player Spain has ever produced, and while the Barcelona star remains key, there can be no denying that he isn’t the player he once was.
As such, the man to whom Spain will turn to make the cutting runs and passes which have been so key in recent year will be Isco, who will be 26 when the finals get under way and heading into his prime.
The playmaker has proven his value to Real Madrid in three Champions League finals and is now thriving at the Santiago Bernabeu; his devastating display against Italy last September – in which he scored twice – was perhaps the best individual performance from a Spanish player for a very long time.
Andrés Iniesta, Barcelona
The midfield maestro and one of the greatest players Spain has ever produced will probably be playing his last World Cup. He might even want to call it a day from international scene after the tournament. If that is the case, he would love to leave on a high. He might be 34, but he will be a key player for Spain. Iniesta, has won it all and he knows what it means to play at a World Cup. He will feel be decisive in the midfield.
Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid
Another mainstay in the Spanish setup is Sergio Ramos. A man who can do no wrong at the moment, having recently won another Champions League title with Real Madrid. He has been ever present in the Spain squad and was an important part of the European success in 2008 and 2012, while also playing a crucial role in the 2010 World Cup triumph. He will be leading the side in Russia and his own performances will be key in defining Spain’s hopes of winning their second World Cup.
Surprise Package
Marco Asensio, Real Madrid
Marco Asensio’s burgeoning reputation continues to grow, with the 22-year-old shining for Real Madrid and emerging as the future of Spanish football.
Supremely-talented, quick, with an eye for goal or a killer pass, the Mallorca-born starlet already boasts a Champions League final goal to his name and actively appears to seek responsibility in big games.
He can prove a real game-changer for La Roja in Russia.
Fixtures
Friday June 15 – Portugal vs Spain, Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi
Wednesday June 20 – Iran vs Spain, Kazan Arena, Kazan
Monday June 25 – Spain vs Morocco, Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad
Prediction
A semi-final spot is a bare-minimum. They have good enough squad to win it, though.