The European Kings of 2012 are once again ready to fight for the ultimate crown and write a new chapter in the team’s rich history. With Barcelona’s treble-winning manager, Luis Enrique leading the ship, Spain will look to bring silverware back to Madrid, after a successful Euro 2020.
The captain of Enrique’s army, Sergio Busquets has been diagnosed with Covid-19, Spain’s participation is hanging by a thin thread.
🚨 COMUNICADO OFICIAL | Sergio Busquets
La RFEF lamenta comunicar que su capitán Sergio Busquets ha resultado positivo en los últimos test PCR realizados esta mañana en la concentración de la Selección nacional en Las Rozas.
ℹ️ Más información: https://t.co/SpLrAn0mEC pic.twitter.com/GabI1o8KLg
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) June 6, 2021
Although none of the Spanish players have been hit by the virus and therefore other than Busquets’ absence, Spain must be prepared for the battle. A goalless draw against Portugal might look troublesome, but it’s worth mentioning that Enrique’s side looks the more dominant of the two.
✅ ¡¡ENTRENAMIENTO COMPLETADO!!
🏟️ Seguimos preparando la Eurocopa en el mejor escenario posible.
🚉 Próxima parada, el duelo ante Lituania en Butarque.
💪🏻 ¡¡VAMOOOOOOS!!#SomosEspaña #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/hrD1K4x7Gk
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) June 5, 2021
A world-class roster to pick from, the Reds have multiple players to choose from and satisfy their hunger for trophies. FootTheBall takes a look at what all weapons Luis Enrique possesses and what all areas he missed out on going into the European summer of football.
STRENGTHS
MAGICIANS IN THE CENTRE
A team blessed with world-class players, Spain’s midfield conundrum can be a peaceful headache for Enrique. The likes of Busquets, Thiago Alcantra, and Koke could weave magic on the pitch. Experience combined with youth could turn out to be the perfect mixture for Luis Enrique.
A pivot in Barca’s midfield, youngster Pedri has had a mouth-watering campaign for the Catalans. With 3 goals and 3 assists under his belt, he has been influential at Camp Nou. A star in the making, Pedri glides through defenders with his immaculate speed and trickery, usually setting up goals for his strikers.
🚀 @Pedri says hi pic.twitter.com/24P13BWEVD
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 26, 2021
Rodri and Busquets have been in the system for too long now and have the experience to lead the Spanish charge. Premier League champions, Rodri could stabilise the game for Enrique’s men in the centre while Busquets’ quality and smartness are unparalleled.
🇪🇸 @SeFutbol pic.twitter.com/yH5Zut5uCk
— Thiago Alcantara (@Thiago6) June 4, 2021
Lastly, another player to choose from the midfielder’s pool is Thiago Alcantra. A decent ending to his Premier League season has enabled the magician to find his touch once again. Operating from the middle, Enrique will back Thiago to showcase himself this summer and give the doubtful world a perfect reply.
GERRARD MORENO
A blessing for Spain’s national team, Gerrard Moreno has taken the footballing world by storm. After enjoying a goal-scoring feast in La Liga, Moreno will once again look to replicate his form for the national squad.
Gerard is profoundly brilliant when it pertains to performing the sneaky little things despite not having scorching speed or huge muscle. Although the Villareal man finds the back of the net at his own will.
https://youtu.be/kGADzgjRTmc
Possessing intelligent mobility and great striking style, Moreno can deceive his opposite number within a blink of an eye. Making those steamy runs, producing trickery with the ball, and constantly keeping the game ticking are the Spaniard striker’s strengths.
Just slipping behind Lionel Messi in La Liga’s top scorer list, Moreno was the fulcrum of the Yellow Submarine’s success in Spain and Europe. Netting an unbelievable 23 thunderous goals in La Liga, Moreno silenced the crowd with his jaw-dropping performances. Form alone should be enough of a reason to start for Spain at Euro 2020.
WEAKNESSES
WE LACK EXPERIENCE!
One of La Furia Roja’s biggest concerns in Euro 2020 would be their inexperienced back-line. Aymeric Laporte changing international jerseys might come as a boost for Enrique but the truth is the backline could falter in tense situations.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPquLBWLqs0/?hl=en
To protect the 90th minute 1-0 lead in the final, you need experience rather than fresh blood. Eric Garcia, Aymeric Laporte, Jose Gaya, Pau Torres are world-class defenders, but the lack of experience in the roster could hamper Spain’s progress.
It pains me not to have been able to help my team more and not to play for Spain but, in this case, the best thing to do is rest, fully recover and come back next year like we’ve always done. It hurts not to represent your country, but I have to be honest and sincere.
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) May 24, 2021
The unusual absence of Los Blancos’ captain, Sergio Ramos did raise a few eyebrows and his axing might come back to haunt Luis Enrique. Cesar Azpilicueta and Jordi Alba have years under their belt, but they are nowhere close to Pique or Ramos. Although Pique and Ramos both had an injury-prone season, one of the player’s presence in the camp could have been quite influential for the Spaniards.
WHO’S THE LEADER OF THE PACK?
Luis Enrique’s troops also lack a commander to control their army. With Sergio Busquets diagnosed with Covid-19, Koke or Morata could be seen donning the captain’s armband. Once again the baton has been passed but in quite a questionable way. With Ramos being left at home, the absence of a leader on the pitch could frustrate the Spaniards.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPjIAaXNyjC/
Every team needs a leader to guide them through trouble. Portugal’s victory in 2016, came on the back of amazing coaching skills shown by the talismanic striker, Cristiano Ronaldo. Constantly guiding his team, cheering for them, and explaining to them how to handle pressure, Ronaldo exhibited the qualities of a true leader. And this is something Enrique will miss this summer, with a very young squad looking to wear the prestigious red jersey, the truancy of a definitive controller might bring them down.
CONCLUSION
The Euro 2020 is inching closer and uncertainty looms over the Spain squad. The Spanish giants will be looking to showcase their talent and prove the world wrong this summer and with an easy group, it could be a cakewalk for them. The knockouts could create a sense of threat, but Spain’s squad won’t be scared to jump over every hurdle that comes in their way.