Three predicted Spain XIs for Euro 2020

Spain will be one of the favourites heading into Euro 2020.

Of course they were one of the favourites heading into Euro 2016 too, and the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, so perhaps the favourites tag should be taken with a grain of salt – but they are a phenomenally talented group of players.

In truth they really should have won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but for Julen Lopetegui’s madness in accepting the Real Madrid job just days before the tournament began and Luis Rubiales’ ego preventing him from letting that insult slide for the better of the nation’s chances.

Now, with Luis Enrique in charge, they head into a genuine new era (not just the tactical new era of Lopetegui) without all but two of their starters from the 2010 FIFA World Cup final. So how could this new “generation” of stars line-up at the nation-hopping 2020 tournament?

The Standard

Luis Enrique is a player who likes a certain type of footballer; athletic, high stamina, big on courage. Technique is important, obviously, but mentality is everything. He also holds grudges which will come into play a bit later.

Obviously David de Gea is his current goalkeeper and will stay that way for the Euros. He’s the best Spain have got at the spot and should start showing it now he’s realised there’s no point wasting all your goalkeeping mojo on Manchester United.

Sergio Ramos anchors defence. By the time 2020 rolls around Ramos will have played more times for Spain than anyone in history. He’s a living legend even if he’s not as sharp as he was. Marc Bartra comes in next to Ramos. Lucho has used Nacho thus far but in truth he’s a back-up, and Bartra has been excellent for Real Betis. Dani Carvajal is probably the world’s best right-back so of course has that spot.

Remember that thing about grudges? Well arguably one of the world’s best left-backs (top 3 depending on your preference) is Jordi Alba, but he and Luis Enrique had a falling out while the latter was coach of Barcelona, so even though Alba is amazing and in superb form, Lucho has yet to pick him for the Spanish side and it’s unlikely he ever will. In his place is the massive Marcos Alonso, who ain’t half bad.

Sergio Busquets is the other survivor from the 2010 World Cup triumph and anchors midfield. He’s the best midfielder in the world (he habitually embarrasses his rivals for the spot i.e. Modric and Kanté whenever he faces them) and that’s that.

Ahead of him are Saúl and Dani Ceballos, two midfielders who couldn’t be more Luis Enrique unless they were Luis Enrique. Both are dynamic, hard-working, incredibly skilled and possess a never-say-die attitude. Isco is the star man on the left, given freedom to roam.

Up-front the dynamic Rodrigo is finally delivering on the potential he’s always shown and his pace as well as lethal finishing ability will make him dangerous cutting in from the right whilst Alvaro Morata should have found a home by 2020 and has the talent and goal ratio to be a top quality forward for Spain; providing a muscular target in the air or on the ground.

3-3-1-3 Returns

Luis Enrique’s big tactical flourish at Barcelona was to use Johan Cruyff’s 3-3-1-3 formation as a siege weapon. It worked a treat (and had Lucho stuck with it the Blaugrana may have won more than just the Copa del Rey that season) and can be used for Spain too.

De Gea stays in goal, and Azpilicueta joins Sergio Ramos and Marc Bartra to form a solid back three that can chain themselves across the pitch in whatever order they like. They play behind Sergio Busquets who once again is tasked with running the show from deep.

Ahead of him are once again Dani Ceballos and Saúl; these two midfielders are simply so perfectly versatile that they will work for any system; moreover Saúl’s forward runs and goal-getting will be so important here.

Isco is once again the star man, this time cast in the central “Messi role” – given total freedom to move wherever there is space and he thinks he can cause the most damage. Isco’s ability to dribble and create in tight spaces mean he will be a constant thorn in the side of any defence; and woe betide anyone that fails to mark him.

Out wide we have Marco Asensio and Marcos Alonso. Both are charged with supplying the side’s width, although with Alonso that will come in a more orthodox fashion whilst Asensio will have more license to drift into central zones with the ball, much as Neymar did at Barcelona. Meanwhile Rodrigo goes up-front, both for his work-rate but also lethal shooting and ability to switch spots with Asensio.

Young Blood

One thing Luis Enrique could decide to do at Euro 2020 is pick a young squad with a serious eye on building to dominate the 2022 World Cup. As a result he could field this incredible XI with no player over the age of 25, ensuring that no one will be 30 or older in 2022.

This puts Kepa in goal instead of De Gea, and to be fair the world’s most expensive goalkeeper has started the season wonderfully well. At right-back we get Alvaro Odriozola, the maverick wing-back with the wonderful hair that offers so much going forward. He will need to tighten up at the back but don’t put that past him. And on the left is José Gaya, the “mini Alba” who’s already the side’s backup.

The centre-backs would be Unai Nuñez and Jesus Vallejo, two big body defenders of incredible stature and talent. Nuñez looks to be the next big thing out of Athletic Bilbao, whilst Jesus Vallejo is so good he’s going to have to leave Real Madrid if he’s to truly develop (or hope that Raphael Varane joins Manchester United for some reason).

Rodri replaces Busquets at the base of midfield. The Atlético man is basically Busquets but stronger and slightly less miraculous with the ball at his feet. He’ll be fine pivot to feed, yup, Dani Ceballos and Saúl. Seriously, these two are just so perfect for Luis Enrique and so young (Ceballos is 22, Saúl somehow only 23) that they get the nod; though watch out for Fran Beltran and Ferran Torres.

In attack we have Paco Alcacer leading the line; the Borussia Dortmund goal-getter just turned 25 so would be the oldest member of the side, but he’s an orthodox striker with a great work ethic that could be a superb attacking reference for Marco Asensio and Mikel Oyarzabal. The two wing-forwards that would be the superstars of this side; with the pace and skill to attack down the flank or come centrally and threaten goal; these two would make this a truly electrifying Spain squad.

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