In the bid to make history as the first nation to win the European Championship four times, former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has revamped the Spanish side, with young players ready to take on the challenge.
Despite being allowed a 26-man squad than the customary 23 due to logistical challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Enrique dauntlessly put forth a list of 24 determined men, ahead of their first game in the early hours of Tuesday morning, Bangladesh standard time.
Enrique, despite having two spots available, has remarkably left former captain Sergio Ramos out of the squad.
The influential, veteran center back’s chances of playing have been hindered following injuries that kept him out of Real Madrid’s squad for a large portion of the season.
Agreeably, Enrique deems Ramos would be a risk for La Roja’s defence.
In place of Ramos, keen, hopeful eyes are set on talented 27-year old Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte to prove that he’s the man for the job, and sturdy himself as the right choice to man the back line.
The French-born center back has recently been internationally switched to play for Spain.
He played a key part in City’s historic domestic treble winning season in 2018-19.
A similar sort of massive changes in squad was last seen in Spain before the 2008 Euros, when heavyweights were cleared from the team to make room for younger talents like Cesc Fabregas, David Silva, Andres Iniesta and more.
Due to this imaginative team planning, Spain’s reliance on young guns led them to be an all powerful, unstoppable team, dominating world football for four consecutive years, winning the aforementioned 2008 Euros, 2010 World Cup, and 2012 Euros.
Players in this year’s squad to look out for, are some that are filled to the brim with ability and flair.
Someone like City’s Rodri is one of the individuals looking fresh with skill and creativity.
The 24-year old looks to shine as the central defensive midfielder and direct play from the center.
His expertise in controlling the game and thread or sweep the ball through to the attack, could prove crucial to the team.
Alongside Rodri in midfield, Barca youngster Pedri has been grabbing the attention of all viewers with his ability to glide the ball across the field, and by carrying out impressive footworks to take charge of play with panache and style.
It will not be easy for Spain to ride to the top, but along with Enrique’s genius in tactics and the players’ ability to use their talent and potential, provided with their fitness and good health; if they can find the correct flow to take them through the group stages and Round Of 16, they can reach a position to be proud of or even make history as the first four-time-winners of the European Championship.
* The writer is an A level student who is doing internship at Dhaka Tribune
