Spain have enjoyed a wealth of success on the international football stage in recent years but that generation has well and truly passed, which has left a void to be filled by a young group of promising stars.
Luckily for La Roja, there is certainly no shortage of up and coming talent, and the recent match against Portugal was a further sign of this shift taking place. Adama Traore came on for his first senior appearance against Portugal, gave an exciting glimpse of what is to come from the former Barcelona winger, with a blistering display of speed, power and accurate delivery from the flank.
The Wolves star is the latest in a long line of youngsters who have made the step up to the senior setup, which is making Spaniards gain a sense of newfound optimism ahead of next summer’s European Championship.
A mix of youth and experience
Sergio Reguilon, Eric Garcia, Mikel Merino, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres join Traore as the players who have reaped the benefits of Luis Enrique’s experimentalism and faith in youth. The spine of veterans throughout the side remains in tact, with the likes of Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos and Sergio Busquets virtually irreplaceable and who are the reference points whom the youngsters look up to.
Quality all round
In defence, Jose Gaya (25 years old) and Reguilon (23 years old) have already become regulars in the national team squad. Especially refreshing is the emergence of the now Tottenham player, who has taken his club form with Sevilla last season onto the international stage. Carvajal and Navas, leaving no room for young talent due to their wealth of experience and quality. The center of the backline sees more youth, including Eric Garcia (19) and Pau Torres (23) who have featured prominently of late, looking to emulate Sergio Ramos who enters the final stretch of his career.
In midfield, Mikel Merino (24) looks like he is in the senior squad to stay, looking comfortable amid a host of stars in his position, while Rodri (24) even wore the captain’s armband in the second half against Portugal. The attack has got pulses racing, with Ansu Fati (17) already a key figure for Luis Enrique and, on the other side, Ferran Torres (20) who has already dazzled at Manchester City. Waiting in reserve are the likes of Dani Olmo (22) and now Adama Traore (24) who can offer Spain plenty of creativity against low defensive blocks.
Luis Enrique spoilt for choice
The Asturian coach could name an eleven of youngsters and it would hardly have an impact on results.
Only the right back spot, with Navas and Carvajal, is absent of fresh blood but, with that exception, there is a young team of a high standard and capable of giving anyone a game.