STARTING XI
REMAINING SQUAD MEMBERS
3 best players not in the squad:
9 players in the squad were part of the iconic 2008-2012 team, with 5 starters. 2 players from the Euro 1964 winning team also make the squad - this was the only time they won one of the 2 major tournaments prior to the famous modern era. Paco Gento surprisingly wasn't in this 64' team. He was only 31, but was recalled for the following tournament. He has won more European Cups than any player in history. Spain have had many great goalkeepers, but the first two in the squad stood out, while De Gea narrowly made it as the third goalkeeper ahead of Andoni Zubizaretta. De Gea's performances for the national team were poor, but at club level he developed into one of the greatest pure shot stoppers of his generation. The right back spot was slightly weaker than other top nations, but Carvajal was still one of the best in the world for a period of time - I just picked him ahead of Feliciano Rivilla. Camacho was certain as the starting left-back, but the reserve spot was close between Segarra and Rafael Gordillo. Segarra makes it and can also cover as a 4th centre-back. Xavi and Suarez were definite starters in the midfield 3, while Pirri just starts ahead of Busquets, who is on the bench as cover alongside Fabregas. Fabregas' spot was almost taken by Xabi Alonso. Iniesta played on the right during the 2010 World Cup and was outstanding, and playing him there also allowed me to start Gento on the opposite flank. Amancio and Silva can act as cover for the wide players, while Butragueno, Villa and Zarra are options upfront. Due to Raul's capability to play in Suarez's role, I wasn't overloaded with strikers in the squad. Players By Decade: 2010's (8), 2000's (4), 1960s (3), 1980's (2), 1950's (2), 1930s (2), 1990s (1), 1940s (1) World-Class Spanish Players (44)
Honourable Mentions (Close to Gold):
DEF: Alba / Gordillo / Migueli / Segarra
MID: Aragones / Guerrero / Martin Vasquez ATT: H.Rial Top 20 Spanish Players of All-Time (& their all-time positional rank) |