So Spain are the new world champions. After a hard combative 120 minutes against Holland, Vicente del Bosque and his squad entered the elite brotherhood of World Cup winning countries. Yet while winning a trophy is not easy, defending it is even harder. Having forged his 2010 success story using the principle bases and pillars that his predecessor Luis Aragones established, the former Real Madrid boss will now have the mammoth task of having to defend both European and world championships.
While it is true that there is hardly any need to change a winning team, it has been proven time and time again that failure to keep up with the flow and persisting with players past their sell by date could prove to be disastrous, with the most recent example being Italy’s World Cup fiasco.
So who are the players (current age in brackets) that need to be dropped so that Spain do not suffer in four years time?
Goalkeepers
Iker Casillas (29); Victor Valdes (28); Pepe Reina (27)
In this mouth-savouring trio, Spain hold three of the best goalkeepers on the planet. After a successful World Cup campaign, playing all of La Furia Roja’s games, “San Iker” is certain to be number 1 for many more years to come, barring an unlikely drop in form. Furthermore, both Victor Valdes and Pepe Reina have proven to be top-notch custodians this season, with Valdes picking up his third Zamora trophy for best keeper in La Liga and Reina still impressing in England. With more goalkeeping wonders defying the test of time in recent years, these three names are a safe bet for 2014 in Brazil.
Out: None
In: None
Defenders
Raul Albiol (24); Gerard Pique (23); Carlos Marchena (30); Carles Puyol (32); Joan Capdevila (32); Sergio Ramos (24); Alvaro Arbeloa (27)
Carles Puyol was imperious in the World Cup, with a notable mention going to his winning strike against Germany in the semi-final. But the bitter truth is that the Barcelona skipper is the wrong side of 30, and at 32, would need to pull off a Paolo Maldini-like feat to be worthy of a starting berth for his national team in 2014. The same argument applies to Joan Capdevila, targeted by many teams and coaches as the weakest link in the Spanish starting eleven. Carlos Marchena may find room for one more World Cup, and while his best years are behind him, his experience may well be useful. Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos are definite defensive pillars, and their positions are unquestionable, while Raul Albiol could start grabbing more playing time, should he occupy Puyol’s position. Alvaro Arbeloa has proven to be a great squad player whenever needed, and his presence can only be a positive thing.
Out: Carles Puyol; Joan Capdevila
In: Alexis (24); Fernando Navarro (28)
Midfielders
Andres Iniesta (26); Xavi Hernandez (30); Cesc Fabregas (23); Juan Mata (22); Xabi Alonso (28); Sergio Busquets (21); Javi Martinez (21); David Silva (24); Jésus Navas (24)
It is no secret that the Spanish armada’s main reason for success has been their vast array of capable midfield players. Both Xavi and Xabi Alonso created pores in their opponents’ defensive lines as they supplied the team with all sorts of passes, short and long. While their positions in the centre of midfield do not involve running long distances, the duo remain nevertheless close to their career’s sundown, as they will be 34 and 32 respectively by the time the next World Cup starts. While their presence is definitely a positive one, training their successors is needed so that Spain ensure a soft transition after the pair hang up their boots. Fabregas and Javi Martinez are the most likely options, with the Arsenal captain truly coming of age the past two seasons and Javi Martinez exploding onto the Spanish scene as a youngster with Athletic Bilbao. Sergio Busquets has finally conquered his doubters and demons with a solid showing in South Africa, while Andres Iniesta is set to approach sanctification after literally winning Spain’s first ever World Cup. Meanwhile, the likes of Mata, Silva, and Navas offer great support on the flanks and are unlikely to be dropped based on current form.
Out: None
In: None
Forwards
David Villa (28); Fernando Torres (26); Pedro (22); Fernando Llorente (25)
After a wonderful showing in South Africa, scoring five goals in the process, David Villa’s continuation with La Roja is a matter of form alone. But should Spain keep their tiki-taka way of play, they will require a fast striker able to make most of his midfield’s distribution, something the new Barcelona signing could find hard at 32. Fernando Torres’ abysmal season with Liverpool was reflected while on international duty with Spain, with the former Atletico Madrid prodigy failing to score and a constant injury worry. Should he continue on current form, it is hard seeing Torres even making the Euro 2012 squad. Pedro Rodriguez’s wonderful season for his club earned him his country’s stripes, while towering Basque Fernando Llorente has proven to be a valuable option for Spain up front.
Out: Fernando Torres
In: Either Bojan Krkic (19); Alvaro Negredo (24); or Roberto Soldado (25)
