Would a breakaway Catalonia side beat Spain?
The Spanish region of Catalonia held an unofficial referendum on Sunday, with the vast majority voting in favour of independence.
Barcelona is the heart of Catalonia, and if the region ever were to become independent it might well become a European football force on its own.
If the referendum had been a binding one, and Catalonia was now an independent nation, would its side be stronger than Spain’s Catalan-free side? Compare the XIs below and tell us what you think.
SEE MORE:
Five Things That Can Stop Chelsea Winning The Champions League
The 30 Best Players In The World According To Football Manager
The Weak Link At Every Top Premier League Club Revealed
Catalan XI
GK) Victor Valdes
RB) Martin Montoya
CB) Marc Bartra
CB) Gerard Pique
LB) Jordi Alba
A solid back five, with plenty of pace on the flanks. Barta has stepped up for Barcelona as a replacement for the legendary Carles Puyol this season, and does the same for our Catalan side.
CM) Thiago Alcantara
CM) Sergio Busquets
AM) Cesc Fabregas
A more diverse midfielder three, with only Busquets currently at Barca. This wonderfully balanced trio would be extremely difficult to get the ball off.
RW) Gerard Deulofeu
ST) Pedro Rodriguez
LW) Andres Iniesta
With trickery and technique on the wings, Pedro finally gets his chance to shine as an out and out forward – is he the one weak point in the side?
Spanish XI
GK) David de Gea
RB) Dani Carvajal
CB) Raul Albiol
CB) Sergio Ramos
LB) Cesar Azpilicueta
A rock solid and physically dominant back line, backed by a fantastic keeper.
CM) Raul Garcia
CM) Koke
AM) Isco
A very strong midfield line, if a little light on defensive work. Atletico Madrid pair Koke and Raul Garcia never shirk their defensive duties, and Isco also a hard worker.
RW) David Silva
ST) Diego Costa
LW) José Callejon
With the trickery of Silva on one side, the directness of Callejon on the other and Costa’s power up front, this front line has everything.
Conclusion:
Catalonia have a very strong side, and one that would beat England without a moment’s hesitation. However, the Spain squad is ludicrously strong even without it’s Catalan players, and their options on the bench would overpower the separatists eventually.