![]() We know how we play and we’re friends on and off the field" (via ). I feel lucky to be training with this team because we all know each other very well. Mata talked to reporters this week about recently being included in the Spanish side, saying "t’s very special to be in the Spain squad. We ran through Germany's midfield and forward options earlier, but how about what Spain has to offer: Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Santi Cazorla, Isco, Alvaro Negredo, Jesus Navas, Pedro, Javi Garcia, Roberto Soldado, Fernando Llorente, Mario Suarez, Thiago Alcantara, Diego Costa, Michu and Juan Mata, who seems like a forgotten man both for club and country these days. (Note: it feels like I'm forgetting someone…) And unlike, say, the United States, which has multiple world-class options at keeper as well, Spain has that kind of depth at nearly every position on the field. ![]() Spain has at least five goalkeepers who could start for more than half the teams that qualify for the World Cup. (While we're at it, let's not forget to mention Diego Lopez who, at times, has taken over for Casillas at Real Madrid but has never had so much as a sniff at international competition for his country.) Casillas is a hero in Spain, leading his national team to unparalleled success over the last 10 years in Europe and around the world.Ĭasillas has been a mainstay in goal for Spain as far back as 2004, giving little room for the likes of Valdes, Reina or even De Gea. Valdes and Reina have been behind 32-year-old Iker Casillas for their entire professional careers. Why have three of the top keepers been absent from the world's biggest events? San Iker, of course. De Gea has played for Spain's U-21 team and in the Olympics, but he has never played in even a World Cup qualifier, let alone a major competition with the full national team. He has never played in a World Cup match.ĭavid De Gea just turned 23 years old and has been the top option at keeper for Manchester United for three seasons, starring at Atletico Madrid for two seasons before making the move to Old Trafford. Pepe Reina, also 31 years old, has played in one European Championship match, back in 2008. He has never played in a World Cup or European Championship match. ![]() ![]() Victor Valdes is 31 years old and one of the top goalkeepers in the entire world. When Schweinsteiger can stay healthy, he is one of the top players in the world, but injuries have set him back as well. Khedira will be fortunate to be back to full strength in time for the World Cup. Granted, not all of those players are healthy. Look at the players Low has at his disposal in midfield and up front when the German side is healthy (yes, a big if at this point): Mesut Ozil, Marco Reus, Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze, Toni Kroos, Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Julian Draxler, Mario Gomez, Max Kruse, Schurrle and probably five or six players I haven't yet mentioned, including the seemingly ageless Miroslav Klose, Khedira and both Benders. There is no shortage of options for the German manager. While an injury to a key player such as Sami Khedira has created a bit of a mess for Joachim Low in the defensive midfield, Germany has a host of talented players who will now get the chance to step in and star. The German side is one of the two or three most accomplished teams in the world, thanks in part to the incredible depth in all key positions.Īre they too good, and two-deep, to include one of the best players in England? Rooney, as great as he is, may not be good enough to start, or even play, for Germany. But that doesn't mean Schurrle wasn't right. Schurrle later clarified his comment to reiterate that he thinks Rooney is a great player.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |