The Catalan national team play an annual fixture – but that could be about to change if independence becomes a reality for the Spanish region.
In December 2016, they drew with Tunisia 3-3, before losing to the North Africans on penalties. It was a back-and-forth match where they rested several of their starters.
For most teams as tiny as Catalunya, that would ordinarily not be a massive statement, but the Catalan starters are world-class internationals with the Spanish national team and some of this generation’s greatest players.
Squawka has examined the state of their squad and decided on the best possible team they could field in the future.
This could have further reaching ramifications than just a friendly too; with Kosovo gaining independence and being recognised by Fifa and Uefa, a clear blueprint for Catalunya’s footballing future has been laid out.
Goalkeeper: Kiko Casilla
Age: 32
Club: Leeds United
Catalonia caps: 5
The Real Madrid academy graduate did his best to break through at the Bernabeu but never quite made it. Now he’s joined Marcelo Bielsa’s revolution in West Yorkshire. Hopefully he’s packed his binoculars.
Right-back: Héctor Bellerín
Age: 23
Club: Arsenal
Catalonia caps: 0
The lightning quick full-back was born and raised in Barcelona. He would add superhuman speed and guile to the Catalan right-flank and could have some free time on his hands after being left out of Spain’s 2018 World Cup squad.
Centre-back: Gerard Piqué
Age: 31
Club: Barcelona
Catalonia caps: 9
Despite his advancing years, he remains among the best centre-backs in the world. A peerless organiser and defensive presence, Pique would be the jovial leader the squad would need as they negotiate the paths of lower seeds.
Centre-back: Victor Ruiz
Age: 29
Club: Villarreal
Catalonia caps: 1
Much more solid and dependable than Marc Bartra, Victor Ruiz would be more than up to the task of helping to defend the Catalan goal from opposing attackers.
Left-back: Jordi Alba
Age: 29
Club: Barcelona
Catalonia caps: 5
The flying squirrel has become a key part of Barcelona’s defence in recent years and would be comfortable racing up the flank for the Catalans.
Alba’s spell at the Nou Camp looks to be coming to an end – but he remains hopeful of a new deal.
Defensive midfield: Sergio Busquets
Age: 30
Club: Barcelona
Catalonia caps: 8
One of the greatest midfielders in the world would wield enormous influence over all matches played, facilitating the Catalan midfield passing attack that would allow them to dominate games.
Central midfield: Sergi Roberto
Age: 26
Club: Barcelona
Catalonia caps: 6
Runs to the absolute limit of his physical capacity and has the skills to hit the channels and run beyond the forward. Can play any number of positions but fits best in midfield.
Attacking midfield: Cesc Fabregas
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Age: 31
Club: Monaco
Catalonia caps: 3
With Roberto doing his running and Busquets sweeping up behind him, Cesc Fabregas would be free to roam forward and play those laser passes that he loves.
Right-wing: Gerard Deulofeu
Age: 23
Club: Watford
Catalonia caps: 1
The winger is a wonderful combination of incisive dribbling and goal-getting. He would provide pace to the attack and has improved his all-round play since joining the Hornets on a permanent basis.
Left-wing: Bojan
Age: 28
Club: Stoke City (on loan at Alaves)
Catalonia caps: 7
The pint-sized La Masia flop has six goals in his seven outings for the Catalans, and with Bellerín working the right flank he’d be free to cut inside and find spaces in which to score – fitness permitting.
Striker: Gerard Moreno
Age: 26
Club: Villarreal
Catalonia caps: 3
The striker has progressed well in recent years and – put at the head of a more stable and creative side like Catalunya – would no doubt respond by scoring copious goals.
Substitutes:
Aleix Vidal (RB/Sevilla)
Marc Bartra (CB/Real Betis)
Andreu Fontas (CB/Sporting Kansas City)
Aarón Martín (LB/Espanyol – on loan at Mainz)
Sergi Samper (DM/Barcelona – on loan at Las Palmas)
Xavi (CM/Al-Sadd)
Carles Aleñá (AM/Barcelona)
Adama Traoré (RW/Wolves)
Cristian Tello (LW/Real Betis)
Keita Balde (RW/Monaco – on loan at Inter Milan)
Álvaro Vázquez (ST/Espanyol – on loan at Real Zaragoza)
The post From Bellerin to Busquets: The ultimate Catalonia XI from the best available players appeared first on Squawka News.
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