Spain 2024 is too strong compared to the current global football level. However, Spain of 2010 is the real “destroyer”. The football playing quality of the teams is increasingly decreasing
IKER CASILLAS
Unai Simon has been a solid starter for Spain since the start of EURO 2024. But he remains error-prone and occasionally inconsistent on the ball. Casillas, meanwhile, captained Vicente del Bosque’s 2012 side and was virtually unbeatable.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper went 509 minutes without conceding a goal after Antonio Di Natale scored for Italy in the opening group game. He also saved Joao Moutinho’s penalty in the semi-final shootout against Portugal.
GERARD PIQUE AND SERGIO RAMOS
Aymeric Laporte and Robin Le Normand showed their chemistry at EURO 2024, but they can’t compare to Pique and Ramos, two of the greatest players in Spanish football history.
Pique and Ramos are not only physically strong but also very clever and cunning. Notably, despite playing for two rival teams, Real and Barca, they were still able to put all disagreements aside to play together in the summer of 2012.
CARLES PUYOL
Puyol was known for his tenacity, high fighting spirit, and excellent game reading ability.
He was a strong center-back, proficient in intercepting the ball and thwarting opponent attacks.
Puyol’s leadership and influence on the pitch were undeniable. He often organized the defense and provided assurance to his teammates.
JOAN CAPDEVILA
Capdevila was known for his attacking prowess from the left-back position, frequently joining forward plays and creating dangerous crosses.
He also had solid defensive skills, balancing between attack and defense.
Capdevila possessed good technique, speed, and stamina, allowing him to maintain consistent performance throughout matches.
SERGIO BUSQUETS
How do you choose between the best defensive midfielder in world football right now and (arguably) the greatest defensive midfielder of all time? It’s a tough call, as both Rodri and Busquets have been crucial to how Spain have performed in two different periods.
Rodri is considered the more physical player, suited to modern football. He also initiates Spain’s attacks. But Busquets is the one chosen because he is more durable and has more cunning than Rodri.
XAVI
Very few can reach Xavi’s 531 successful passes at EURO 2012. He is the mastermind and soul of the Tiki-Taka style of play that helped Spain dominate world football in the 2008-2012 period.
XABI ALONSO
Xabi Alonso is renowned for his precise passing ability, both short and long passes.He has exceptional tactical vision, often creating dangerous opportunities for teammates from the midfield.Alonso is also a strong defensive midfielder, proficient in intercepting the ball and handling opponents’ attacks.He has a good long-range shot, scoring many goals from outside the penalty area.
LAMINE YAMAL AND ANDRES INIESTA
The new feature in Spain’s play at EURO 2024 is the sublimation of the wingers. And Yamal is the best. He became the youngest player to score at EURO at 16 years and 362 days, had the most assists at EURO 2024 (3 times) and created the most clear-cut chances (6 times).
On the opposite wing will be Andres Iniesta. There is no need to say too much about “San Andres” as he is Spain’s most dangerous striker at EURO 2012 in a formation without a striker. Iniesta’s dribbling skills and top scoring ability were perfectly displayed in this tournament.
FERNANDO TORRES
Fernando Torres is known for his speed, excellent finishing ability, and superb individual technique.He is a dangerous forward with intelligent movement, creating space and scoring opportunities.Torres also has strong heading ability, allowing him to score many crucial goals from aerial balls.His decisiveness and natural goal-scoring instinct always posed a significant threat to opposing defenses.