Strongest possible starting XI for Spain | UEFA Euro 2020

Right-back - Marcos Llorente

Spain v Portugal - International Friendly

This is quite a curious choice, particularly when Champions League winner Cesar Azpilicueta is in the squad. But we have seen Marcos Llorente play at right-back before and he has done a pretty good job there.

31-year-old Azpilicueta has lost a yard of pace in recent years and might find it hard to keep up with the bustling young forwards he will inevitably come up against at Euro 2020. As a result, Llorente's versatility could see him get the starting spot.

Even when he plays as the right-sided central midfielder in Diego Simeone's system, Llorente regularly exploits the space behind the opposition's left-back.

Llorente can be effective on both ends of the pitch and he could very well be their starter at right-back at Euro 2020.

Marcos Llorente- a natural defensive midfielder at Real Madrid. Became prolific with goals & assists as a number 8 for Atléti. Then filled in well at wing-back when Trippier was suspended. Now producing an excellent performance at right-back in a back 4 for Spain. What a player👏

— Premier League Panel (@PremLeaguePanel) June 4, 2021

Centre-back - Aymeric Laporte

Spain v Portugal - International Friendly

The Manchester City defender may have fallen down the pecking order at his club. But he gave a good account of himself in his debut game for Spain in the recent international friendly against Portugal. Laporte brought a great deal of strength and intelligence to the fore as he kept the talented Portuguese attackers at bay.

Laporte is a great replacement for Sergio Ramos and he has proved that he can hold his own against the best attackers in the world. He is excellent with the ball at his feet and will be crucial to Spain playing out from the back.

Aymeric Laporte's first bit of defending for Spain 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MlaUBZgwKv

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) June 4, 2021

Centre-back - Pau Torres

Villarreal CF v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Final

One of the most coveted young defenders in Europe, Pau Torres, is likely to be Aymeric Laporte's partner at the heart of defence. Torres is coming off a great season with Villarreal, who capped off their season by winning the UEFA Europa League.

He is an intelligent player who can read the game well and is quite physically imposing as well. Torres is also a good passer of the ball which makes him the perfect partner for Laporte in Spain's backline.

Left-back - Jordi Alba

Spain v Norway - UEFA EURO 2020 Qualifier

Jordi Alba is the obvious choice at left-back. The veteran was in good form for Barcelona in the second half of the season and Enrique will want to tap into his experience. Jose Gaya is a worthy deputy but is unlikely to get the nod ahead of Alba.