3 Spanish legends we might not see after the 2018 World Cup 

Between 2008-2012, La Roja ruled world football, as they won the 2010 World Cup and became the first time to ever retain the European Championships. Spain's golden era ended in humiliating fashion with a group stage exit in Brazil four years ago, as they lacked the energy and drive required to retain their title.

This theme continued at Euro 2016 and at the World Cup in Russia. Now is, therefore, a good time to look back at the amazing contribution of four Spanish legends, who helped turn Spain from perennial underachievers to world conquerors.

Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique have certainly done their bit for La Roja and have confirmed their retirement after the defeat against Russia on penalties. More may follow as the great team of yesteryear starts to get taken apart. It is, therefore, a good time to pay tribute to those who brought Spain so much success.

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#3 Gerard Pique

La Roja’s latest early exit spells the end for Gerard Pique as Spain’s main centre-back alongside Sergio Ramos. Russia 2018 was Pique’s fourth major tournament and at 31, he is certainly no spring chicken. Like many others in the Spanish national side, he has suffered from the effects of age and has lacked the energy and sharpness required to play in Spain’s back-line.

Pique’s handball in the 40th minute was a massive error of judgement and a clear sign of panic. Against Morocco, there were several lapses of concentration from Pique and the rest of the Spanish rear-guard, as they let the Moroccans in time after time. Competition is starting to grow at centre-half, with Nacho Fernandez and Cesar Azpilicueta more than capable of filling his boots.

The former Manchester United centre-half has won everything there is to win and retires with one European Championship and one World Cup to his name. Despite his frequent fall outs with Sergio Ramos, the pair formed a truly unbelievable partnership and were impenetrable at their best, as Spain went about conquering Europe and the world.

#2 Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos' mix-up

In recent years, Iniesta’s influence at both club and international level has waned and diminished, due to injury and loss of form. His winning goal at the 2010 World Cup remains his last goal at an international tournament; symbolising the Spaniard’s gradual decline. At this year’s World Cup, he looked slow and sluggish, as he committed more fouls and mistakes than usual.

The mix-up between Sergio Ramos and Andres Iniesta for Morocco’s opening goal was a result of Iniesta’s indecisiveness. Fernando Hierro, therefore, opted to leave him out for the knockout game against Russia; a decision that brought uproar and confusion amongst many Spanish supporters.

Iniesta’s legendary status was confirmed when he struck the winner in the 2010 World Cup final. With the score at 0-0, the match looked set to be decided by a penalty shoot-out. However, an incisive pass from Cesc Fabregas gave Iniesta the chance to put the match to bed and the rest is history.

In the 2012 European Championship final, he provided an inch-perfect to Fabregas, who then teed up David Silva for Spain’s opening goal. Andres’ big match mentality proved pivotal in two of Spain’s international tournament wins and this makes the task of replacing him a seemingly impossible one.

#1 David Silva

David Silva and Cesc Fabregas celebrate Spain's first goal of the Euro 2012 final

Although Silva has not yet confirmed his involvement in any future tournaments, there is a likelihood he might hang up his boots before then. The Spaniard was unable to sprinkle his stardust and magic on this year’s tournament and failed to deliver on the lofty expectations placed on him.

The form he showed for Manchester City throughout last season was nothing short of stellar, as The Sky Blues won the Premier League with a record points tally. Pep Guardiola totally revitalised David Silva by moving from him the left-hand side to the middle of the park, where he used his passing and vision to full effect. The Spaniard’s goal involvement increased under Guardiola last season, as he scored 10 goals; his highest goal tally since the 2014-2015 Premier League season.

Like the others, the 32-year old’s influence on the Spanish national side cannot be underestimated, as the Spaniard opened the scoring for La Roja in the final of Euro 2012. His ability to play intricate passes and dictate the tempo of the game, make him a nightmare to defend against. Silva’s situation, however, mirrors that of Pique, as the likes of Marco Asensio, Thiago and Koke continue to breathe down his neck for a place in Spain’s starting eleven.