Midfielders
Defensive Midfield: Xabi Alonso
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There could only be one choice for the defensive midfield position. Xabi Alonso has established himself as the most suitable to sit back and allow the attacking midfielders to move forward. Mainly playing as a deep-lying playmaker, the player is also capable of putting in the miles defensively helping his team out, acting as the second line of defense.
He is also known for his vast range of passing, being adept at set-pieces as well as a penalty specialist. He is known for his industrious work ethic and has been extremely important for Spain, making his debut in 2003 and going on to amass 114 caps, taking part in three European Championships (2004, 2008 and 2012) and three World Cups (2006, 2010 and 2014) before retiring in August 2014.
For his overall performance, he was rewarded with a spot in the UEFA Team of the tournament for the 2012 edition and remains a force at club level, having played for giants like Liverpool, Real Madrid and currently thriving in Germany with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
Left midfield: Xavi Hernandez
The pivot, the axis, the fulcrum on which the entire Tiki Taka philosophy of Spain and Barcelona functioned, Xavi Hernandez is arguably the greatest midfielder in the history of Spanish football. Second to only Casillas in appearances made with 133, his presence in the middle itself, with his incredible vision and passing ability, has led Spain to dizzying heights.
A product of the famed La Masia, he is often hailed as the most influential player in the team, earning the sobriquet “The Puppet Master” for pulling the strings and making the team tick. He was named the Best player of the tournament at UEFA Euro 2008 after being named in the team of the tournament.
In 2012, he was once again named in the team of the tournament and became the only player to register assists in two consecutive European Championship finals, setting up the only goal in the 2008 showpiece and two more in the 2012 final. Undoubtedly, the backbone of Spain’s glory years.
Right Midfield: Luis Suarez
Before the Uruguayan, there was a Spanish Luis Suarez, arguably as important as the current one for the Blaugrana in the 1950s. Regarded as one of the legendary Spanish players, Suarez, nicknamed “the Architect” dictated play from the middle.
Possessing a style of play pleasing to the eye, he prospered as an attacking midfielder in his earlier days at Barcelona before moving on to slot in as a deep-lying playmaker for Helenio Herrera's incredibly successful Grande Inter side of the 1960s. He became the first ever Spanish-born player to win the Ballon d’Or in 1960 and led the then Spanish team to their first international title, the Euro 1964, being included in the team of the tournament as well.
His vision and passing prowess, as well as a keen eye for goal were qualities that made him stand out from the rest of the team. His creativity with the ball at his feet cemented his place as one of the all-time greats.
Attacking Midfield: Andres Iniesta
Yet another of La Masia’s graduates, Andres Iniesta is known as the best playmaker in the world even today. His consistency, his skill level and his creative ability since his young days as a kid, coming through the ranks at Barcelona are unrivaled to this day.
Since his international debut in 2006, the Spaniard has gone on to make 107 appearances for La Roja, playing an important part in securing the two European Championships and the World Cup, scoring a dramatic goal in extra time to win the latter.
Known to be a big match player, Iniesta has always come up with the goods whenever required be it at club level or internationally, scoring or assisting crucial goals. He is to date the most decorated Spanish footballer in history surpassing his midfield partner Xavi with 30 trophies.
Having been selected in the Team of the tournament in the 2008 and 2012 Euro editions as well as being named the best player at the 2012 tournament, Iniesta has firmly established himself as a Spanish legend.
He has also been awarded the UEFA Best player in Europe in 2012 beating stalwarts like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He also finished runner-up to the Argentine in the 2010 Ballon d’Or race, going to show just how highly he is regarded in the world of football.
