Koke, Moreno and Laporte could all get the chances their talents deserve now…
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Rumours are rife that many members of Spain’s disastrous World Cup squad will have their international careers ended prematurely following this summer’s horror show in Brazil.
The World Cup and European Championship holders lost their opening two matches to the Netherlands and Chile respectively, and Spanish publication AS claim that fans will demand an entire squad overhaul in time for Euro 16.
Here’s how they might line up if major changes do indeed occur…
GK) David de Gea
Iker Casillas’s international career is surely over. He can’t get in Real Madrid’s La Liga side, and dropped clangers this summer as well. de Gea though is young, hungry and immensely talented. Expect him to to step up.
DR) Cesar Azpilicueta
Chelsea’s fullback might be one of the few players of the current batch to survive the cull. He’s as defensively excellent but also ambitious in the opposition half. Real Madrid’s Daniel Carvajal could also compete for this spot though.
DC) Aymeric Laporte
Rated by many as one of the world’s best young central defenders, Laporte is superb with the ball at his feet, and Athletic Bilbao won’t be able to hold on to him forever. He could step up and compete with Gerard Pique for a spot.
DC) Sergio Ramos
Ramos is likely to be given the captain’s armband if Casillas can no longer make the side. He’s 28-years-old, and already has way over 100 caps for his country. One of the best defenders of his generation.
DL) Alberto Moreno
Linked heavily with Liverpool and Real Madrid, Sevilla’s 21-year-old won his first cap back in 2013, but (perhaps luckily) didn’t get the call-up to Brazil. This could work massively in his favour…
MC) Sergio Busquets
Despite Spain’s awful tournament, Busquets is still rightly regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. The platform he can provide the side when at his best is almost unparalleled.
MC) Javi Martinez
Martinez provides the midfield with the strength, dynamism and direction it totally lacked this tournament. The Bayern Munich man represents a more physical type of football that could appease disgruntled fans right now.
AMR) Koke
Koke had a wonderful season in Spain with Atletico Madrid, helping them win the title. His technical ability is fantastic, and he’s the seemingly natural heir to Andres Iniesta and Xavi in midfield.
AMC) Isco
Real Madrid’s ultra talented playmaker deserves way more playing time than he received last season. He didn’t make the Spain squad for the World Cup either – which has increased calls for his inclusion in the next one.
AML) Pedro
Pedro wasn’t at his best for Spain this summer, but he provides pace and width, which the likes of David Silva and Santi Cazorla (however brilliant they are) do not. He’s also scored 14 international goals from the wing – which is impressive considering he’s only been in the setup since 2010.
FC) Alvaro Morata
One of the talented young strikers in Europe, Morata has been linked with Tottenham and Arsenal heavily, but Liverpool could also bring the 21-year-old to the Premier League. He’s quick, skilful, and can finish off either foot – and would arguably provide Spain the spearhead they’re desperately crying out for right now.
