Top 5 Players in Spain's U-21 triumph at the European Championships

Captain Thiago Alcantara of Spain lifts the trophy after winning the UEFA European U21 Championship final match against Italy at Teddy Stadium on June 18, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. (Getty Images)

Spain continued to dominate the stage of international football as their U-21 side defended their crown successfully against the Italians in the final played in Jerusalem, Israel.

The extent of this domination can be measured by the fact that Spain’s U-19, U-21 and senior sides are all now in possession of consecutive European championships. As opposed to an English side that lacked many of its key players, Spain took the competition seriously and came into the final without having conceded a goal. Although they were unable to maintain that record as Italy scored two goals in return to Spain’s four, it was very much a final La Roja dominated.

Most critics have pointed out that key to Spain’s success is their philosophy of football that gives priority to the midfield advocating a game, which emphasises possession and passing. However, it is important to note that even more than that, it is the rigour with which that philosophy is adopted by their U-19 and U-21 sides.

This allows the players to go through a swift and comfortable transition into the senior national side and success eventually follows. The quick passing and mobility on the pitch that we are seeing from the senior side at the Confederations Cup was emulated by the U-21 side throughout this tournament, much to the delight of Spanish fans.

This win is a sign that Spain are likely to continue their domination of world football for a long time. Some of the personnel who will make a contribution to that were on exhibition in Israel. Here is a list of five players who stood out in the Spanish side:

Goalkeeper David de Gea celebrates after teammate isco scored his team’s fourth goal during the UEFA European U21 Championship final match between Italy and Spain at Teddy Stadium on June 18, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. (Getty Images)

5. David De Gea

The Manchester United goalkeeper conceded only two goals in the tournament, and that too only in the final. He has already completed a successful season with the Red Devils in spite of the undeserved criticism that he received at the beginning of his stint.

De Gea looked a leader on the pitch, organising his back four and putting up solid displays. Spain could not have wanted any more from him. It remains to be seen when he gets his chance with the senior side.

Alberto Moreno controls the ball during the UEFA European U21 Championship semi-final against Norway at Netanya Stadium on June 15, 2013 in Netanya, Israel. (Getty Images)

4. Alberto Moreno

Spain have developed a knack of producing quality left-backs it seems. Jordi Alba is a graduate from this side and it definitely has produced another quality player in Alberto Moreno. The player is on a youth contract with Sevilla but he is likely to have bigger clubs on the wings after this performance.

Moreno has the quality that one looks for in a left-back with pace on the wing that contributes heavily to offense. He is also equally assured in defence. He does not overdo his bit in offense, ensuring that he is not leaky at back and that only goes to show his levels of maturity.

Florian Jozefzoon of the Netherlands is tackled by Asier Illarramendi of Spain during the UEFA European U21 Championships Group B match between Spain and Netherlands at Ha Moshava Stadium on June 12, 2013 in Petah Tiqwa, Israel. (Getty Images)

3. Asier Illarramendi

Real Sociedad have a gem on their hands in Asier Illaramendi. The defensive midfielder might not be the favourite with the media as are the likes of Isco and Thiago Alcantara but he was a genuine find of this tournament. He was solid in defence in front of his back-four and initiated the attacks from his deep-lying role.

He was not inhibited while putting in the odd crunching challenge for his team. His distribution was astonishing and his vision, progressive. He gave one the impression of an experienced campaigner with his positional awareness. The club will have considerable difficulty in holding on to this spectacular talent.

Thiago Alcantara of Spain poses with the trophy after winning the UEFA European U21 Championship final match against Italy at Teddy Stadium on June 18, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. (Getty Images)

2. Thiago Alcantara

The midfielder was a leader on the pitch and produced some breathtaking performances for Spain. The diversity of his set of skills was on display in the competition and he fittingly grabbed the spotlight in the final with a sublime hat-trick.

The midfielder is rumoured to be a Manchester United target this summer and no wonder his talent is commanding so much respect at such a young age. He dictated the midfield in every game that Spain played and looked the part of the primary play-maker.

Isco celebrates his team’s second goal during the UEFA European U21 Championship semi-final against Norway at Netanya Stadium on June 15, 2013 in Netanya, Israel. (Getty Images)

1. Isco

Playing on the left wing, Isco produced some match-winning performances for La Roja. He’s definitely the most exciting player in this team. His swift movement is complemented by an agile mind that allows him to run out of tricky situations and get into threatening spaces. His positional awareness truly amounts to a skill as he is at the end of so many passes that this Spanish midfield creates. He has the ability to weave magic on the pitch and no wonder he already seems destined for bigger things.