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Over the years, I've not really been a fan of the Spanish national team. Perhaps, it's the PTSD hangover from when they used to have predominantly players from Barcelona; who I have somehow grown to dislike due to the experiences of Arsenal in their hands, lol. Petty, you might say.
This said, however; it hurts me to say it, I can't deny that they're arguably the best team I've seen in terms of playing actual football at this year's tournament, reason I feel they might be favourite among all pre-tournament favorites. The likes of France and England have not really loved up to the billing, except for perhaps the host Germany, who I think have got their moj0o going with the host notion vibe behind them.
The Spaniards make themselves a delight to watch. Looking at their game against Italy, every attack was a beauty and they posed a threat always. Their two wingers were absolutely insane.
I think Lamine Yamal is not getting the flowers he deserves. For a 16-year-old, he is playing way above his age and every time he got on the ball, he was always a threat to Italy and they made Italy look ordinary. He has that position on lock down and the future of Spain already. Only if he were English or if Spain had the PR depth as England, he'd be mentioned high up there along with the likes of Jude. Bellingham.
I never really knew how good Nico Williams was until this tournament and he's a perfect complement to Yamal on the right. For me, he's everything Pep Guardiola wants Jeremy Doku to be.
Having already secured qualification for the next round, Roberto Martinez could be tempted to rotate his team and give some other squad players a few minutes under their belt.
Aside the individual brilliance, Spain look like the most serious team that is not Germany. Their overall play and compactness (which has always been the case) has been one of the brightest things at this tournament.
Perhaps, they're the favourites among favourites and could unsurprisingly go all the way, if hey can keep with raising the bar with every game.
I watched their reserves against Albania last night and they were class too. They all just know what they're doing.
The way the wingers attack the full backs, cut inside to open up even more space for the overlapping full backs is beautiful to watch - if not a little risky. I think they could get undone by a team that's happy to defend and then counter attack down the flanks - something England has the potential to do very well.
They've definitely been the most fun team to watch so far.
As for Yamal, I heard about him last season as a 15 year old breaking through at Barca. If he's managed properly, he could be a superstar.
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I like the way you put it "their reserves". 😅.
For Yamal, I truly hope they're able to maintain him. Pedri hasn't been at that level he was a couple of seasons ago. I hope he doesn't turn out like that.
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