Spain U-21′s: Player by player analysis of the Champions

We’ve had time to take in all the performances from the U-21 European Championships, so here is an overall look at how each player who contributed to the triumph faired during their time in Denmark. The collective stats speak volumes, with Spain taking in an average possession of 71.3% during the tournament, so let’s have a look individually:

Goalkeeper:

David De Gea was rarely tested but never faltered when called upon. An example of this was the fine save in the latter stages of the game against Ukraine showing that despite his lack involvement he was still aware. The instinctive stop from Shaqiri’s volley too, was much to his credit. He had so much time on his hands he was probably writing a “Things to do in Manchester list” during games. (7/10)

Centre backs:

Similar situation to De Gea in that Alvaro Domínguez and Alberto Botía were rarely tested in a defensive manner. They were perhaps slow to react for the goal against England, and also had a little trouble dealing with throw-ins into the box but other than this they were neat and gave little away. Botía had a few decent chances at the opposite end too, and perhaps could’ve done better on two occasions. Both (7/10)

Full-backs:

Along with Ander there is perhaps a case that both were the unsung stars of the tournament for Spain. Defensively they were again rarely called upon, but when up against it they stood tall and defended resolutely. Kyle Walker’s run up against Dídac Vilà on the left flank in the opening game was perhaps one sore point. Going forward, neither Dídac nor Martín Montoya could be criticised in the slightest. Both were extremely dangerous on several occasions throughout each game, and provided an alternate to the plethora of talent in the middle.  Montoya’s involvement against Ukraine on the 2^nd goal and Dídac’s delicious cross for Ander in the final against Switzerland examples of this. Both (8/10).

The Basque axis:

Perhaps the most important part of Spain’s system in the modern game; the midfield crux. Here, a relationship is formed between two players that is an understanding as to one’s duties and the best way in which to operate for the benefit of the team. Javi Martínez was one of the stars of the tournament, and along with three others a very serious candidate for Spain’s best player. Martinez played with an authority, and imposed himself upon every opponent and game. His strength and physicality is backed up by an exquisite technique and ability to survey the game be it on the ball, or off it. His dropping back in the final allowed him to dictate player from deeper when the middle area was becoming packed. Ander Herrera, who will be lining up alongside Martínez next season for Athletic Bilbao, produced some admirable unsung work in central area’s complimenting his dominating new club mate. His passing was neat and never rushed, while he showed movement that was always intelligent; his late runs into the area were well timed and he could’ve score a few more even. At 8.5m Athletic have picked up an absolute steal – one does wonder how much Ander would’ve gone for if he was English. Athletic went to Aragon and commited daylight robbery to get their man. (Ander 8/10, Martínez 9/10)

The creative fulcrum:

Barcelona might have some explaining to do to their fans should they actually let Thiago leave the Camp Nou, most already knew this but now the wider public do too. Mazinho’s son has seen his star in the ascendancy for 18 months now, and this performance in Denmark only confirmed what many knew. He was the spark in Spain’s midfield, and coupled with wonderful movement around him there was a real confidence in his play – emphasized by his 120 passes per 90 minutes ratio throughout the tournament. He’s blessed by vision, intelligence, searing technique and a real belief in his own ability – all of which were displayed here. Thiago’s the player fans will be on their feet for applauding, and the one team mates are delighted he’s on their side. MVP of the final award winner. (9/10)

The wide men…or maybe not:

With the attention to control in central areas, it’s imperative the players on the edge of the attack play their part too, and Spain’s players who operated from wider areas did exactly that. Jeffrén was chosen to start in the opener against England, though his willingness to run at players and inability to be effective from deep restricted him in many regards – hence why Milla opted for Iker Muniain in the second game. Muniain, in Milla’s own words from an interview with AS, said the teenage terror brought “an intensity, and depth” to the attacking line. Muniain’s ability to provide an extra link between midfield and attack was key to Spain progressing as he picked up the ball deep on the left hand side, before taking players out of the game individually or by knocking a pass into dangerous areas. The youngest player to feature for any team in Denmark but one thing Muniain lacks is fear, tell him he can’t do something and you can bet your money he’ll prove you wrong. (8/10)

Juan Mata meanwhile breezed through this tournament with the maturity and ability he has shown in considerable waves in the past season for Valencia. Off the field along with Martínez he’s been a leader and according to other squad members spoke emphatically about those nights in South Africa amongst the World Cup winners – in a sense, they both brought some of that feeling to Denmark. On the field Mata has been in word ‘influential’, and has carried out all of his duties with class and commitment. His drifting off the frontline caused no end of problems for the opponents, be it making movements behind the defensive line or to much greater reward in central areas where Mata clearly thrives. He’s assisted others, took his chances when they have arose and when in search of a goal against Belarus showed the maturity to drop deep into a midfield three and carry the ball to the attack. If Spain is leading the way in pass and move football, Mata is one of the players at the forefront. Finished with the golden assist boot. (9/10)

A lone striker anything but alone:

Not many of the players in the squad will have enjoyed winning more than Adrián, given that his club season was one decorated with defeat and climaxed in his employers Deportivo La Coruña being relegated. In Denmark Adrián set about his task quietly and convincingly as he looked to silence the critics who questioned his inclusion. The Asturian showed a clinical nature in front of goal, and was an able cog in the works of Spanish attacks. His movement off the ball was particularly impressive, as he moved into the channels and also made himself a danger in the penalty area off the ball never giving defenders a moment’s peace. The smart finish at the death against Belarus showed the hallmarks of a refined poacher, while his movement off the ball in the final saw markers pay more attention to him than a late running Ander. Finished as top scorer and golden boot winner. (8/10)

The others:

Jeffren started the first game and bore little influence on the game, but his cameo against Belarus brought a directness and freshness to the team which had been missing for long periods. He’ll remember the screamer he scored for a long time. Bojan’s minutes in the tournament were restricted but as was said for Jeffrén, his running and on the ball skill created gaps against Belarus. Diego Capel also made a brief cameo in the tournament, and his neat one-two with Mata again…against Belarus. Dani Parejo was brought in on several occasions to freshen up the midfield and also to concentrate the control Spain were having in games.

Tags: Adrian, Ander, European Championships, Javi Martinez, Juan Mata, Muniain, Spain, Thiago, Under 21