Euro 2016: Spain - The quest to repeat (and score goals)
- Thread starter bosox4283
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87 people opened this post, and 87 people were disappointed to read "more to come". Lo siento.
Spain looks to regain its footing after an embarrassing World Cup 2014, during which Spain did not advance out of the group stage after losses to the Netherlands (5-1) and Chile (2-0).
Del Bosque has the challenge of keeping the core of the team while adding players to complement Spain's style of play. The challenge has been to find some sort of scoring threat. Here's the changes to the roster.
Returning Players
GK: Casillas, De Gea
Defense: Pique, Ramos, Juanfran, Alba, Azpilicueta
Midfield: Iniesta, Silva, Fabregas, Pedro, Koke, Busquets
Forward: <blank>
Players Not Returning
GK: Reina
Defense: Albiol, Javi Martinez
Midfield: Mata, Cazorla, Xavi, Xavi Alonso
Forward: Diego Costa, Fernando Torres, David Villa
New Players
GK: Sergio Rico (Sevilla)
Defense: Marc Barta (Barcelona/Dortmund), Hector Bellerin (Arsenal), Mikel San Jose (Athletic)
Midfield: Bruno Soriano (Villarreal), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern)
Forward: Aritz Aduriz (Athletic), Lucac Vazquez (Real Madrid), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Nolito (Celta)
A few observations:
1. It seems that Del Bosque finally has decided it is time for De Gea to start. Thankfully.
2. Del Bosque, to his credit, has tried a new approach with his forwards. While Costa's health may not have been 100%, it seems more likely that Del Boque didn't like how Costa fit into the squad. I like the selection of Aduriz -- he was fantastic this year for Bilbao, even though he's now 35. I'm not that exited about Morata -- he had a somewhat mediocre season at Juventus, and there are other players perhaps in better form. For instance, Fernando Torres had the same number of goals this year but came on strong at the end. There are a handful of Spanish players in La Liga that had great years, such as Ruben Castro (19 goals for Betis), Borja Baston (18 goals for Eibar), Lucas Perez (17 goals for La Coruna), and Paco Alcacer (13 goals for Valencia).
3. The core of the team is unchanged: Ramos-Pique in the middle, with Busquets and Iniesta in front of them.
4. Del Bosque received some criticism for selecting Fabregas and Pedro since both had up-and-down seasons at Chelsea.
It's hard to know what line-up Del Bosque will use, but I'm going to guess:
---------------De Gea---------------
Juanfran--Ramos--Pique--Alba
-------------Busquests-------------
--Iniesta--Fabregas--Silva--Pedro
----------------Nolito----------------
Spain looks to regain its footing after an embarrassing World Cup 2014, during which Spain did not advance out of the group stage after losses to the Netherlands (5-1) and Chile (2-0).
Del Bosque has the challenge of keeping the core of the team while adding players to complement Spain's style of play. The challenge has been to find some sort of scoring threat. Here's the changes to the roster.
Returning Players
GK: Casillas, De Gea
Defense: Pique, Ramos, Juanfran, Alba, Azpilicueta
Midfield: Iniesta, Silva, Fabregas, Pedro, Koke, Busquets
Forward: <blank>
Players Not Returning
GK: Reina
Defense: Albiol, Javi Martinez
Midfield: Mata, Cazorla, Xavi, Xavi Alonso
Forward: Diego Costa, Fernando Torres, David Villa
New Players
GK: Sergio Rico (Sevilla)
Defense: Marc Barta (Barcelona/Dortmund), Hector Bellerin (Arsenal), Mikel San Jose (Athletic)
Midfield: Bruno Soriano (Villarreal), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern)
Forward: Aritz Aduriz (Athletic), Lucac Vazquez (Real Madrid), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Nolito (Celta)
A few observations:
1. It seems that Del Bosque finally has decided it is time for De Gea to start. Thankfully.
2. Del Bosque, to his credit, has tried a new approach with his forwards. While Costa's health may not have been 100%, it seems more likely that Del Boque didn't like how Costa fit into the squad. I like the selection of Aduriz -- he was fantastic this year for Bilbao, even though he's now 35. I'm not that exited about Morata -- he had a somewhat mediocre season at Juventus, and there are other players perhaps in better form. For instance, Fernando Torres had the same number of goals this year but came on strong at the end. There are a handful of Spanish players in La Liga that had great years, such as Ruben Castro (19 goals for Betis), Borja Baston (18 goals for Eibar), Lucas Perez (17 goals for La Coruna), and Paco Alcacer (13 goals for Valencia).
3. The core of the team is unchanged: Ramos-Pique in the middle, with Busquets and Iniesta in front of them.
4. Del Bosque received some criticism for selecting Fabregas and Pedro since both had up-and-down seasons at Chelsea.
It's hard to know what line-up Del Bosque will use, but I'm going to guess:
---------------De Gea---------------
Juanfran--Ramos--Pique--Alba
-------------Busquests-------------
--Iniesta--Fabregas--Silva--Pedro
----------------Nolito----------------
I have no idea what Del Bosque will do but I would play this way.
---------------De Gea---------------
Juanfran--Ramos--Pique--Alba
-------------Busquets-------------
Koke----Iniesta--Silva----Nolito
-------------Morata-----------------
I don't think either Fabregas or Pedro has shown enough form this year to start. Koke and Nolito are a nice pair of wing midfielders, with one providing more grit and industry (something a bit lacking in the team in general) and the other more end product.
---------------De Gea---------------
Juanfran--Ramos--Pique--Alba
-------------Busquets-------------
Koke----Iniesta--Silva----Nolito
-------------Morata-----------------
I don't think either Fabregas or Pedro has shown enough form this year to start. Koke and Nolito are a nice pair of wing midfielders, with one providing more grit and industry (something a bit lacking in the team in general) and the other more end product.
When examining the rosters for the Euros what stands out is how solid Spain seems in defense in comparison to most of the other squads. It's not the youngest group in back or overall but they seem like the most well rounded team in the competition. Germany's defense has been injured to the point of shaky and Italy's attack pales in comparison. There have been some questionable results lately but this seems like the time for this group to step up to me.
That said, there's no telling what that story that was just posted will do to the group. Only the keeper is really affected but these types of distractions can seemingly play a big part
That said, there's no telling what that story that was just posted will do to the group. Only the keeper is really affected but these types of distractions can seemingly play a big part
From what I gather there is a Spanish guy who works in the porn industry in Spain. De Gea booked, through this guy, two prostitutes for Munain and Isco. The girls were abused and never paid for their time so they pressed charges.
There are apparently tweets that match the timeline between De Gea and Munain.
This story seems too ridiculous to be true but after the Benzema story anything is possible. It really is amazing how much trouble these footballers can get themselves into
There are apparently tweets that match the timeline between De Gea and Munain.
This story seems too ridiculous to be true but after the Benzema story anything is possible. It really is amazing how much trouble these footballers can get themselves into
I've read that the papers are reporting that the authorities have not come up with much corroborating evidence, beyond the testimony of the girls. But its not clear whether the investigation is done or this is an ongoing thing.
Any truth to the rumor De Gea said, "I don't need a defense to beat this case...haven't had one in 3 years" at his presser?
Del Bosque goes with Cesc, Nolito, and Morata, probably over Thiago, Koke, and Pedro. Juanfran gets the start over Bellerin: experience over youth, there.
After Spain finally seems to figure it out against Turkey, we now have Pedro, he of Chelsea mediocrity, running his mouth about wasting his time with the Spanish team if he's not playing:
"Unless I see continuity in my role, it’s not worth coming here just to make up the numbers. It’s difficult to take on this role."
http://metro.co.uk/2016/06/20/astonishing-pedro-meltdown-threatens-to-disrupt-spains-euro-2016-campaign-5955925/
It's probably true for all footballers: why waste time sitting on a bench when they could be enjoy some five-start vacation? But it's an odd thing to say publicly, and it's odd timing.
"Unless I see continuity in my role, it’s not worth coming here just to make up the numbers. It’s difficult to take on this role."
http://metro.co.uk/2016/06/20/astonishing-pedro-meltdown-threatens-to-disrupt-spains-euro-2016-campaign-5955925/
It's probably true for all footballers: why waste time sitting on a bench when they could be enjoy some five-start vacation? But it's an odd thing to say publicly, and it's odd timing.
First, as an Atletico, it drives me crazy that both Ronaldo and Ramos have missed their penalties in the Euros but made them in the Champions League Final. Sigh.
Spain lost, in part because of the Ramos miss (though, I think it was karma, because it was a weak penalty). The most surprising part was Del Bosque making no changes to the starting line-up.
In one way, this philosophy made sense: put out the best team to win to avoid the hard side of the bracket. On the other hand, this idea seems strange regardless of the loss. Why not give fresh players a chance? Why not give guys like Juanfran, who played so many minutes this year, a rest?
I would have liked to have seen:
De Gea
Bellerin-Ramos/Pique-Mikel San Jose-Azpilicueta
Busquets
Koke-Iniesta-Silva-Nolito
Morata
First three off bench: Thiago, Bruno Soriano, Aduriz/Pedro
In this line-up, Del Bosque would have had four fresh legs on the pitch, plus three fresh players off the bench. Instead, Spain had a tired Juanfran, a tired Jordi Alba, and the less-than-stellar versions of Ramos and Pique.
Spain lost, in part because of the Ramos miss (though, I think it was karma, because it was a weak penalty). The most surprising part was Del Bosque making no changes to the starting line-up.
In one way, this philosophy made sense: put out the best team to win to avoid the hard side of the bracket. On the other hand, this idea seems strange regardless of the loss. Why not give fresh players a chance? Why not give guys like Juanfran, who played so many minutes this year, a rest?
I would have liked to have seen:
De Gea
Bellerin-Ramos/Pique-Mikel San Jose-Azpilicueta
Busquets
Koke-Iniesta-Silva-Nolito
Morata
First three off bench: Thiago, Bruno Soriano, Aduriz/Pedro
In this line-up, Del Bosque would have had four fresh legs on the pitch, plus three fresh players off the bench. Instead, Spain had a tired Juanfran, a tired Jordi Alba, and the less-than-stellar versions of Ramos and Pique.
Word on the street is that Del Bosque will roll out the same line-up as last match. Maybe Pedro was right: why come along with the national team when the coach is going to use 11 guys?
Total minutes:
Hector Bellerin: 0 minutes
Mikel San Jose: 0 minutes
Marc Bartra: 0 minutes*
Cesar Azpilicueta: 10 minutes in garbage time against Turkey
Koke: 20 minutes in garbage time against Turkey
Pedro: 20 (10 minutes against Czech Republic, 10 minutes against Italy for an injured Aduriz)
Lucas Vazquez: 20 minutes against Italy
Thiago: 30 minutes (20 minutes against Czech Republic, 10 minutes against Croatia)
So, excluding the three keepers, Del Bosque chose to play the tournament with 12 of 20 players. I think it's fair to question how Del Bosque organized his squad, especially given how many minutes Juanfran-Ramos-Pique-Alba played this season. In addition, I think it's fair to question the players he chose -- there was a lot of talent watching from home (Torres, Costa, Saul Niguez, Alcacer, Vitolo, Mata, Cazorla).
*Footnote: Barta's inclusion on the roster reflects Spain's lack of depth at CB. I don't think he deserved a spot on the roster because he was the fourth or fifth option at Barcelona, and they just sold him to Dortmund. Spain would have been better served with Javi Martinez, who can play CB, or Saul Niguez, the Atletico midfielder who could play CB as the 4th/5th option.
Hector Bellerin: 0 minutes
Mikel San Jose: 0 minutes
Marc Bartra: 0 minutes*
Cesar Azpilicueta: 10 minutes in garbage time against Turkey
Koke: 20 minutes in garbage time against Turkey
Pedro: 20 (10 minutes against Czech Republic, 10 minutes against Italy for an injured Aduriz)
Lucas Vazquez: 20 minutes against Italy
Thiago: 30 minutes (20 minutes against Czech Republic, 10 minutes against Croatia)
So, excluding the three keepers, Del Bosque chose to play the tournament with 12 of 20 players. I think it's fair to question how Del Bosque organized his squad, especially given how many minutes Juanfran-Ramos-Pique-Alba played this season. In addition, I think it's fair to question the players he chose -- there was a lot of talent watching from home (Torres, Costa, Saul Niguez, Alcacer, Vitolo, Mata, Cazorla).
*Footnote: Barta's inclusion on the roster reflects Spain's lack of depth at CB. I don't think he deserved a spot on the roster because he was the fourth or fifth option at Barcelona, and they just sold him to Dortmund. Spain would have been better served with Javi Martinez, who can play CB, or Saul Niguez, the Atletico midfielder who could play CB as the 4th/5th option.
It's the end of an era, sadly, and we Spain fans should show gratitude for Del Bosque for this incredible run. The ending, though, stings -- the World Cup was a disaster, and this tournament ended with two frustrating losses in a row.
Del Bosque will be remembered as a national hero, rightfully so. It's just time to pass the responsibility onto the next guy.
Del Bosque will be remembered as a national hero, rightfully so. It's just time to pass the responsibility onto the next guy.
In the end, he fell for the same trap most managers do - He never moved on from the core that was clearly getting older.
As far as the Arsenal players:
I would have liked to see Hector play (obviously), but I'm not sure he has the defensive maturity to start on the international level. He is obviously good going forward and his speed would have been a weapon that may have given Spain something much different than Juan Fran. However, with Alba bombing up, I'm not sure Del Bosque wanted to expose his CBs any further. Although, he could have used Bellerin as a sub to infuse something different. Bellerin's number one asset is his speed and at this point, his ability to recover is his number one defensive attribute. He isn't a good tackler and his anticipation isn't where it needs to be. He is a winger playing RB right now.
Cazorla was just coming off an injury and only made one or two appearances at the end of the season. His omission is much more about rust and fitness than it is about his ability. His injury was grievous to Arsenal too. I missed watching him play this year.
I would have liked to see Hector play (obviously), but I'm not sure he has the defensive maturity to start on the international level. He is obviously good going forward and his speed would have been a weapon that may have given Spain something much different than Juan Fran. However, with Alba bombing up, I'm not sure Del Bosque wanted to expose his CBs any further. Although, he could have used Bellerin as a sub to infuse something different. Bellerin's number one asset is his speed and at this point, his ability to recover is his number one defensive attribute. He isn't a good tackler and his anticipation isn't where it needs to be. He is a winger playing RB right now.
Cazorla was just coming off an injury and only made one or two appearances at the end of the season. His omission is much more about rust and fitness than it is about his ability. His injury was grievous to Arsenal too. I missed watching him play this year.
What's the final verdict on Aduriz, do you think? From what I saw of him, he didn't really seem to justify his selection as the fans' favorite striker...Spain's answer to Will Griggs?
I don't get the reference, but I suspect this tournament was a one-and-done deal for Aduriz as he's 35 years old. I suppose he could hang around for some of the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches--Spain plays a match in September, then Italy in October--if he continues to score goals.
If Del Bosque is out, and he surely is, the new coach could take a different direction. I'd like to see Inaki Williams, the young Basque striker, on the team if healthy. The other options are kind of old: Aduriz, Torres, Ruben Castro.
Del Bosque is out, of course, after another disappointing tournament. He almost went out in a blaze of glory: at first, Del Bosque recounted that he said goodbye to all players via text messages, except Iker Casillas. Then, Del Bosque said--or perhaps it was a rumor--that Casillas was great with the other players but did now show respect to the coaches. Taken alone, this comment seems to have zero merit. In context of Casillas' career, Casillas seems to be a malcontent and primadonna.
However, this joy was short-lived as Del Bosque rectified and ended up apologizing to Casillas. Boo. I wanted Del Bosque to roast this spoiled player on his way out the door.
I write today's post because Spain has chosen Julen Lopetegui as its new coach. Lopetegui, who had a mediocre stint at Porto, previously coached the Spain U-19s and U-21s. As a result, I'm hopeful that he'll start to integrate some of the talented youth, such as Tiago, Isco, Koke, Saul, and Williams.
However, this joy was short-lived as Del Bosque rectified and ended up apologizing to Casillas. Boo. I wanted Del Bosque to roast this spoiled player on his way out the door.
I write today's post because Spain has chosen Julen Lopetegui as its new coach. Lopetegui, who had a mediocre stint at Porto, previously coached the Spain U-19s and U-21s. As a result, I'm hopeful that he'll start to integrate some of the talented youth, such as Tiago, Isco, Koke, Saul, and Williams.
He doesn't have much of a choice does he? Iniesta, Cesc, and Silva are all on the back 9 already and certainly will be by '18. Fortunately for Spain, they have an embarassment of riches coming into their prime years:
De Gea (25)
Azpili (26)-Pique (one older guy)-Bartra (25)-Bellerin (21)
Busquets (28, but doesn't exactly rely on speed)
Koke (24)-Thiago (25)-Isco (24)
Lucas (25)-Morata (23)
On top of this: Alba is 27, Carvajal 24, Bernat 23, Saul 21, Sergi 24 and those are only established stars. They have another bunch of talented young players filling out squads at Valencia, Sevilla, etc. Lope will have no excuses for this squad.
De Gea (25)
Azpili (26)-Pique (one older guy)-Bartra (25)-Bellerin (21)
Busquets (28, but doesn't exactly rely on speed)
Koke (24)-Thiago (25)-Isco (24)
Lucas (25)-Morata (23)
On top of this: Alba is 27, Carvajal 24, Bernat 23, Saul 21, Sergi 24 and those are only established stars. They have another bunch of talented young players filling out squads at Valencia, Sevilla, etc. Lope will have no excuses for this squad.
You're right and I agree with your post. But, lol at Bartra. Let's hope, for the sake of his career and Spain's national team, that he gets minutes and improves at Dortmund.