Spain will be looking to re-establish their reputation as one of the strongest teams in Europe as they head into the 2024 European Championships with a squad which can be best described as a blend of youth and experience.
Now under the tutelage of Luis de la Fuente after the departure of Luis Enrique, the Euro 2020 semi-finalists will be confident of another deep run in the tournament, having won the most recent UEFA Nations League.
As La Roja set their sights on a fourth continental crown, Soccernet.football takes a look at some of the stars who could play a crucial role in achieving this quest.
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7. Dani Carvajal
The 32-year-old full back was instrumental for Real Madrid as they triumphed in La Liga before going on to win a record 15th UEFA Champions League crown.
Carvajal may be getting on in age but his game hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down as his speed, creativity and productivity were on full display throughout the past campaign.
The Los Blancos defender should surely be de la Fuente’s starting right-back in Germany when the Euros gets underway.
6. Lamine Yamal
The Barcelona starlet has simply been a revelation since getting his chance to feature for the Catalans, establishing himself as one of their most important players during this past season.
Undoubtedly one of the most talented young players across Europe, Yamal is set to represent La Roja in a major tournament at just 16 years old.
Yamal’s pace and guile out on the right flank will certainly cause problems for opposition defenders so barring any fitness issues, the youngster should definitely be a starter in Germany.
5. Alex Baena
The 22-year-old’s impressive stats for Villareal this past season tells his story. Baena racked up 23 goal contributions for the Yellow submarine with 18 of those contributions coming in the form of assists.
Baena’s vision, passing range and ability to comfortably play between the lines have seen him drawn comparisons with former Liverpool player Philippe Coutinho.
The young attacking midfielder is also very versatile and could be a highly valuable asset for La Roja at the Euros.
4. Alejandro Grimaldo
Grimaldo will head for Germany with the Spain national team off the back of an absolutely sensational 2023/2024 campaign with Bundesliga and DFB-POKAL champions Bayer Leverkusen.
The 28-year-old defender achieved an impressive attacking return, scoring 12 goals and providing 19 assists as Leverkusen cruised to a domestic double.
It remains to be seen how Luis de la Fuente will set up his team in Germany but Grimaldo starting at left-back/left wing-back is a no-brainer.
3. Nico Williams
Another exciting young talent in this La Roja squad, Williams enjoyed a fine season with Athletic Bilbao this past season, registering 8 goals and 17 assists across 37 appearances.
The 21-year-old winger displayed an impressive creative ability off the left flank for Bilbao and could well provide Spain with the same services in Germany if given the opportunity.
Williams certainly has the ability to deliver for La Roja and he will be looking to convince de la Fuente that he can provide the goods on the grandest of stages.
2. Alvaro Morata
The experienced Atletico Madrid center-forward started the 2023/2024 campaign in wonderful scoring form but appeared to lose his mojo in the second half of the season.
Morata will most likely be tasked with the duty of leading La Roja’s front line in Germany and the 31-year-old will be hoping his poor form towards the close the season is well behind him.
If he takes his scoring boots along with him to the Euros, then the former Chelsea striker could well inspire this exciting group to mount a proper challenge against the perceived favourites of the tournament.
1. Rodri
Widely regarded as the best defensive midfielder in the business at the moment, Rodri will no doubt be Spain’s most important player in Germany.
The 27-year-old has established himself as a crucial player for both club and country with his ability to provide adequate protection for the back line and still contribute significantly in attack.
Rodri’s tally of 23 goal contributions across 48 appearances for Manchester City this past season shows just how vital he could be in attack.
The 2022/2023 treble winner will certainly be instrumental to whatever success Spain will enjoy at the Euros.
