5 top teams looking for redemption after World Cup debacle

#1 Spain

Luis Enrique's Spain are looking to tow a new path

After the failure of the last three tournaments (World Cups, 2014, 2018 and Euro 2016), it seems the final chapter of the Golden Generation has finally been closed. The appointment of Luis Enrique as the new manager is a signal that La Furia Roja is ready to finally modify the tiki-taka style and play a faster, more direct style.

Enrique’s repudiation of the Barcelona template of possession-heavy football was one of the reasons he was never really loved by Barcelonistas while he managed the club. This faster, more-risky style he favoured is likely to be the new template for the team.

With the likes of Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Gerard Pique announcing their departure from the fold, now seems the perfect time for new, younger talent to be blooded. The squad named for the UEFA Nations League games against England and Croatia features a good mix of the new, the old and the returning.

Javi Martinez and Raul Albiol are two prominent old heads that have made a return to the fold. Goalie Pau Lopez, left-back Jose Gaya, and midfielder Dani Ceballos are the debutants that may earn their first stripes.

Concluye la comparecencia de @LUISENRIQUE21.¡¡ESTOS SON LOS CONVOCADOS!!#UnaNuevaIlusión pic.twitter.com/kVM4Jturgf

— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) August 31, 2018

The non-inclusion of Jordi Alba (he clashed with Enrique during their days at Barca) has expectedly drawn comments. However, the manager has always been a strong-willed character and will not back down. England and Croatia represent big tests for new-look Spain and it will be fascinating to see how they go about it.