Defence
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Spain’s first-choice back four may as well be Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique in central defence with Jordi Alba and Juanfran in the role of full-backs. Hector Bellerin and Cesar Azpilicueta would be backups in the full-back position while Marc Bartra and Mikel San Jose would be backup central defenders.
If Del Bosque had to choose between other full-backs plying their trade in Europe, he need look no further than Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal and Villarreal’s Mario Gaspar. Monreal has been one of the Gunners’ most consistent players in the past two seasons. A gritty defender at the back, he times his runs into the final third well when on the attack, always putting in the right cross or cut-back for his teammates.
Gaspar, on the other hand, has added the threat of scoring goals for the Yellow Submarine. With two goals and two assists in the league this season, Gaspar helped Villarreal secure a top four finish and qualify for the Champions League.
In central defence, it is a pair with the same surname – Martinez. Real Sociedad’s 25-year-old defender Inigo Martinez has had a good season and many would say he was very close to getting a callup for Euro. The Basque club finished ninth this season and Inigo was a calm and solid presence at the back.
Javi Martinez has not played as much as he would have liked at Bayern Munich but has played in Del Bosque’s squads before. The 27-year-old can play either as a defender or as a defensive midfielder and a versatile player who can play in various positions is always a huge asset.
