Spain's all time greatest XI

#9 Right Wing - Raul

Raul Gonzalez Blanco or Raul, as he was popularly known, was one of the main reasons behind Real’s success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Spanish striker spent 15 very successful seasons at Real, played 733 matches and scored 307 goals. He also won 3 UEFA Champions Leagues and 6 La Ligas with Real. Raul was twice the leading goal-scorer in Europe and also finished runner up in Ballon D’or 2001.

Raul was a player for the big occasions and the first player to score 50 goals in the UEFA Champions’ League. One of those goals came in the 1999-2000 final win against Valencia. Raul was more comfortable playing as the main striker, but he could play as a second striker or a winger too. He formed a great striking partnership with fellow Spaniard Fernando Morientes at Real.

Raul was very successful for the Spanish national team too and scored 44 goals in 102 matches for them. However, he could not win any major silverware for the national team. He also scored 404 goals in 940 matches in his entire club career.

About the author

Subhadeep, an adept tennis journalist at Sportskeeda, has been writing about the sport for seven years. He is known for his exclusive match reviews and opinion pieces, utilizing his MBA degree to tackle them effectively with his problem-solving abilities.

Subhadeep lives and breathes tennis. He watches matches regularly and engages in social media platforms to stay on top of the latest happenings. As a writer, he brings the fan's perspective to his pieces, ensuring his readers enjoy an exceptional experience every time.

Growing up, he idolized Boris Becker, but he now firmly believes Novak Djokovic stands alone as the 'Greatest of all Time', especially considering the 24-time Grand Slam champion's incredible stats. One thing that still puzzles Subhadeep, however, is how Becker's Wimbledon tally might have reached five if not for Pete Sampras.

Speaking of the All England Club, the British Major holds a special place in his heart as he admires its blend of tradition and grass-court excellence. When not working for Sportskeeda, Subhadeep delves into the other "love of his life": football, and enjoys contributing his insights to different websites dedicated to the sport.

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Edited by Aditya Hosangadi