UEFA Nations League: 5 takeaways from the first round of games

#1 New-look Spain look very tasty in UEFA Nations League

Spain has started the competition like a house on fire

Nobody in the Spanish setup emerged with credit from the World Cup fiasco. The RFEF president; Luis Rubiales’ decision to sack Julen Lopetegui was a stupid one and the team paid dearly for it.

However, things have changed since the farce in Russia. The Golden Generation is on its last legs (David Silva, Andres Iniesta, and Gerard Pique have retired). The appointment of Luis Enrique as manager meant that an evolution of sorts beckoned.

Expectations were muted ahead of the UEFA Nations League clashes against England and Croatia. Most fans of La Furia Roja would have been content with signs of progress under the new manager. Nobody foresaw the quick acceptance of Enrique’s methods though.

In its match against England, Spain showed resilience and class. The 2-1 scoreline flattered the English and had Enrique’s men forced the issue, they could have scored more. Against Croatia, after enduring a wobbly first 15 minutes, the team’s class kicked in and what followed was majestic.

Putting 6 goals past the World Cup finalists was an amazing feat. What made it even more amazing was the performance itself. Faster, more incisive and quicker in thought and movement; Spain’s quality shone through in every aspect of the game.

Saul Niguez has long been one of Europe’s more underrated midfielders. His performances in both UEFA Nations League games have put that notion to rest permanently. All across the pitch, the new-look La Furia Roja shone brightly.

Suddenly, the future looks very bright once again for Spain. With a lot of younger talents chomping at the bits to get a taste, the team looks set to achieve great things.