Analysis of EURO 2021: Spain without Real Madrid players! What are the chances?

The Spanish national team would love to return to the top of European football. But at the last European championship in 2016, they were defeated by Italy in the eighth round. Coach Luis Enrique has called an interesting line-up and for the first time ever, not a single Real Madrid player made the final squad.

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David de Gea (Manchester United), Robert Sanchez (Brighton)

It seems that it is not entirely certain who pilot Luis Enrique will choose as number one in the Spanish backline. Unai Simon rather than David de Gea was the keeper in the last game and it has to be said that the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper did his job reliably.

In addition, the Manchester United goalkeeper does occasionally make the occasional, popularly speaking, shoe and deprive his team of potential points. Let’s see who the former Barcelona and Real Madrid player will prefer in goal in the end, his performances in the two preparatory matches against Portugal and Lithuania, respectively, may give him a hint.

Defenders: Jose Gaya (Valencia), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Eric Garcia (Manchester City), Diego Llorente (Leeds), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

On the face of it, the call-up of only one right-back, Azpilicueta, who can also play in the centre of defence, is interesting. Diego Llorente, who plays at Leeds, can also deputise on the right flank, but he has been seen more at the stopper position.

The centre of defence is likely to be managed by Aymeric Laporte, who, thanks to his dual citizenship and especially the fact that he has never represented France in the adult category, can start in the Spain jersey. He should be partnered by Pau Torres, who had an excellent season at Villarreal, sweetened by the Europa League victory.

The left flank should be occupied by Jordi Alba. The thirty-two year old experienced Barcelona full-back had, in terms of individual performances, an excellent season again and it is expected that he will build on it when fighting at the EURO.

Midfielders: Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona), Thiago (Liverpool), Koke (Atlético Madrid), Fabian (Napoli), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Pablo Sarabia (Paris Saint-Germain)

Enrique has some very solid players to choose from for the defensive midfielder position. Both Rodri and Busquets, play reliably and with clarity. However, it is to be expected that the first choice will be the Barcelona midfielder, who Enrique knows well from their time together in Catalonia.

The two classic central midfield positions will be a tough one for the Spanish coach. All the nominees are players par excellence. However, Liverpool’s Thiago and quite possibly Barcelona’s youngster Pedri, Busquets’ teammate, are more likely to get their minutes from the start of the game.

Already in the qualifiers it was evident that Enrique trusts the 18-year-old and is not afraid to give him proper minutes.

Forwards: Gerard Moreno (Villarreal), Alvaro Morata (Atlético Madrid), Ferran Torres (Manchester City), Adama Traore (Wolves), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)

The composition of the attack could look like this. Ferran Torres on the left wing, who has looked very very promising in a national team jersey so far, Adama Traore on the right flank of the attacking line and Gerard Moreno rather than Alvaro Morata at the very tip of the attack, as Moreno seems to have a better phase, also thanks to the Yellow Submarine’s run in the Europa League.

Key factors:: goal scoring potential of strikers, reliability of goalkeepers, not playing handball

What this year’s La Furia Roja selection should have no problem with is creativity in the midfield. The midfield has traditionally dominated the roster and Thiago in particular should be the one who will be expected to make the final passes and support the attack.

But the goal scoring potential of the spearhead strikers will be key. After all, both have never been cannonballers, breaking records for goals scored. You can’t deny their willingness to work for the team, but the main thing a coach expects from a player in this position is goals.

The reliability of the goalkeepers will be important. Unlike not so distant history, they don’t have such big names in goal as they used to. Whether Simon or De Gea, they have to give an above-standard performance.

Finally, the most painful place in recent years. The endless handballing around the formed defence. Without the necessary movement and willingness of the Spanish national team to surprise the opposition or go on a quick counter, the red-clad footballers will not find success.

Quarter-finals

Source: Livesport