Spain: Supremely Talented But Is There Still Something Missing?

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Víctor Valdés (Barcelona)
Defenders: Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid), Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Carlos Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Javi Martínez (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi Hernández (Barcelona),
Strikers: Jesús Navas (Valencia), Juan Mata (Valencia), Pedro Rodríguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Barcelona).

Much has been made of the Spanish squad for the 2010 World Cup. Packed with talent, flair and skill it is the best squad in the competition on paper, whether it is on grass is still yet to be seen. Looking deeper into the squad though there is, perhaps, a concern that all the players are similar, a squad filled with outstanding footballers is sometimes not complete without a little bit of ‘bite’ that, without Marcos Senna, Spain appear to lack.

Goalkeepers

Something that’s arguably over-looked, in a very attacking minded Spain squad, is the amount of quality goalkeepers the nation also possesses. Iker Casillas made his Spanish debut at the age of 19 and has made 103 caps since then as well as being named captain of his national side. The goalkeeper’s ability is obvious, he is a Real Madrid legend and is widely thought to be the one of the best ‘keeper’s in the World. Pepe Reina has had a terrific season at Liverpool; he was arguably Liverpool’s top performer in an abject season for the Merseyside outfit and will class himself unlucky that he isn’t first choice for Spain. Victor Valdes, unbelievably, has never made an appearance for his country. Early on in his Barcelona career the ‘keeper was prone to making errors but he has excelled recently and  if he was from any other country, barring Brazil, he most likely would be first choice in South Africa.

Defenders

Defence is arguably Spain’s weakest position, that is not saying that they have a poor defence however, it merely highlights the talent that the Spanish have in all other departments. Gerard Pique and Carlos Puyol tend to be favoured by Vicente Del Bosque to start as centre backs for the national side, as with Barcelona, with Sergio Ramos slotting in at right back and Juan Capdevila playing left-back. It is very much a defence comfortable in possession with every player secure with the ball at their feet. It could be argued height is an issue though, of the back four only Pique stands above 6ft tall although the robust Puyol and Ramos are both strong in the air for their size. In reserve, former Liverpool full-back, Alvaro Arbeloa is a different style of full-back to club partner Sergio Ramos. Raul Albiol and Carlos Marchena, who can also play the defensive midfield role, provide cover to the two centre-backs.

Midfielders

Spain posses an array of talented players in the midfield, it is the strongest part of their squad. Xavi and Andres Iniesta are generally favoured in the two centre midfield roles by Del Bosque with Cesc Fàbregas being a terrific replacement if either misses out, if rumours are to be believed it could be that this is the option Pep Gaurdiola also has at Barcelona after this transfer window. Sergio Busquets provides a more defensive option with Javi Martinez and David Silva being the flair players in the midfield.

Forwards

Any team that can have wingers of Juan Mata’s, Pedro Rodriguez’s and Jesús Navas’ ability will create chances. All provide lightning pace and have excellent dribbling abilities to scare every opposition defence in the competition. It is likely Navas and Mata will be the two first choice wingers though with Pedro missing out  due to his lack of experience, he has only broke into the Barcelona first team recently after Pep Gaurdiola saw something in him others don’t. In David Villa and Fernando Torres Spain have two strikers of world-class ability and Fernando Llorente provides a ‘plan b’ for the side if things don’t go to plan.