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Profile: Spain

Player by player guide to Del Bosque's Euro 2016 Spain squad

Another stand-out season for the Manchester United no.1, who got over that botched move to Madrid and showed real professionalism. He still lets in less than 1 goal a game statistically and kept a clean sheet in almost 20 matches. He deserves the no.1 jer
Highs and lows in his first season at Porto, his first far away from his spiritual home at the Santiago Bernabéu. He's combined moments of quality you'd expect from such a decorated keeper with costly errors that saw him praised and pilloried in the press in almost equal measure. He's let in 39 goals in 39 games, and his place in the team, or on the bench, will be a burning issue for Del Bosque.
He's established himself as Spain's third-choice keeper amid fierce competition, he kept watch of Sevilla's goal in the Champions League, but not the Europa League.
His versatility opened doors at Chelsea, and the same has happened with La Roja. He was acceptable in a car-crash season for the defending champions that saw the departure of Jose Mourinho and a 10th place finish in the Premier League. His place was indisputable under both Mourinho and Hiddink.
The defining moment, the defining penalty, the Champions League final in Milan. Juanfran has probably never felt so alone in his entire life. He'll have to forgive himself and regroup for Euro 2016, as there are talented replacements waiting in the wings.
Wenger's undisputed wing-back at Arsenal, an exciting, marauding talent blessed with lightning pace and real promise, he's had the type of season that's seen rumour rife about a potential move back to Barcelona where it all began to replace Dani Alves. He
Barça were at their best and suddenly their worst for a short period in the season which cost them the Champions League, but Piqué always did his job. He was outstanding last season, and while not quite reaching those heights at times this term, he's a vi
Real Madrid's captain comes into this tournament on a high after holding aloft that most coveted of prizes. His shoulder injury held him back in those first few months of the season, and he decided against the operation advised by the medical team to ensure his presence at Euro 2016. It hasn't been his best season, but he's played 33 games and that formidable central partnership of Piqué and Ramos looks set in stone.
Bartra's dreams of a big breakthrough season were dashed on the rocks of Luis Enrique's practicality at Barcelona, he's not even been in the squad for many of Barça's most decisive matches. Barça believe in him though, as does Del Bosque, perhaps more for
Little dispute about who Spain's left wing-back is, he's had an injury-free season with the double-winning Barcelona side, scoring the winning goal in the Copa Del Rey final and is a constant threat down the left. Alba has that ability to support the attack at the right moments and the knack of scoring very important goals. Barring injury, Alba is a nailed-on starter.
One of his best seasons so far, exceeding expectations at San Mamés. He's played almost every minute and has scored 5 goals, his contribution has earned him another contract at the Basque club, where he's played in the centre of midfield, but can also be
Barcelona's gearbox and distributor, Busquets is where it all begins for both Barça and Spain - he's irreplaceable. His physical problems coincided with Barça's Spring slump, Busquets is one of a kind but comes into this tournament with more minutes in his legs than most: about 4,500.
As the season wore on Thiago cemented his place in the centre of Pep's midfield. Del Bosque has anointed him as a natural successor to Xavi, a gifted retainer of possession with a range and vision of passing that merits talk of that daunting tag, even if he still has a long way to go to justify it.
With the injury to Tiago Mendes early in the season, Koke has been pushed backwards at the Calderón, but his passing and assists have climbed with the season pushing on, linking particularly well with Fernando Torres. Koke is a more complete player tactic
A year to forget for Fabregas, he actually said in an interview this season that he had "forgotten completely how to play football", and many have questioned his inclusion, saying that Saúl should have been given the nod in his stead. Del Bosque has shown
Plagued by injuries, when he's been fit and on the field Silva has probably been Manchester City's best player, their poor showing in the Champions League semi-final was in part put down to his absence, but Del Bosque will be aware of the Premier shipwrec
The departure of Xavi has weighed heavily on Iniesta, he's had to step further back to receive the ball and try to direct more rather than rove and find spaces the way he used to. Still a key player for Spain, his touch and ability to create space where there seems to be none hasn't waned, if Spain are to lift a third Euro trophy in a row, they'll need their Catalan conjurer at his absolute best.
He played two friendlies with La Roja back in November, and there is word that Del Bosque might revert to two holding midfield players, Bruno stepping in next to Busquets to play a similar role to ex-Villarreal Marcus Senna in 2008. That shield would give
Pedro left Barcelona a hero scoring the winning goal against Sevilla in that incredible 5-4 UEFA SuperCup in Tblisi, but his worst possible outcome imagined before his move to Chelsea must have looked like a holiday compared to the season he's experienced. The Premier League hasn't suited his more refined football, but he's always done a job for Spain, and almost always scores.
In September the Celta Vigo man was hot property, firing his side to the top of the league and sparking agency wires with rumours of a return to Barça who have first dibs on the player. An injury struck him from the squad for about two months, promptly en
Age is just a number. At least it is if you're Aritz Aduriz. His rage against the passing of the years has seen him finish the campaign as the in-form Spanish striker with 34 goals this season. His presence in the list was complicated by the idea of refeshing the squad with a new generation of players, Del Bosque did say that Fernando Torres' inclusion was out of the question because "We can't keep looking to the past", but as goal after goal went in, Aduriz' inclusion grew all the more undeniable. He'll be an excellent option if Del Bosque wants to change the way his team plays, provide a physical presence up front, and above all, grab the goals that could prove priceless.
Morata impressed last season and has shown flashes of what he's capable of this season, he's been completely open about his desire to return to Real Madrid and become one of los blancos' greats, and a sparkling tournament may be just the ticket to grab Florentino Perez' attention. His strike rate hasn't broken any records this season, however, 11 in 45 games, but has only played 5 complete matches. Part of the new-blood policy that Del Bosque is trying to transfuse.
The big surprise on Del Bosque's list. It's the first time the Real Madrid canterano has been called up to the Spanish squad, the man who's become Zidane's first-choice substitute in the absence of any of the BBC. He's scored 4 goals in 1.233 minutes in L
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De Gea (Goalkeeper, Manchester United, 25)

Another stand-out season for the Manchester United no.1, who got over that botched move to Madrid and showed real professionalism. He still lets in less than 1 goal a game statistically and kept a clean sheet in almost 20 matches. He deserves the no.1 jer

Foto:David RamosGetty Images

Casillas (Goalkeeper, Porto, 34)

Highs and lows in his first season at Porto, his first far away from his spiritual home at the Santiago Bernabéu. He's combined moments of quality you'd expect from such a decorated keeper with costly errors that saw him praised and pilloried in the press in almost equal measure. He's let in 39 goals in 39 games, and his place in the team, or on the bench, will be a burning issue for Del Bosque.

Foto:David RamosGetty Images

Sergio Rico (Goalkeeper, Sevilla, 22)

He's established himself as Spain's third-choice keeper amid fierce competition, he kept watch of Sevilla's goal in the Champions League, but not the Europa League.

Foto:TONI RODRIGUEZDIARIO AS

Azpilicueta (Defender, Chelsea, 26)

His versatility opened doors at Chelsea, and the same has happened with La Roja. He was acceptable in a car-crash season for the defending champions that saw the departure of Jose Mourinho and a 10th place finish in the Premier League. His place was indisputable under both Mourinho and Hiddink.

Foto:ANGELIKA WARMUTHEFE

Juanfran (Defender, Atlético, 31)

The defining moment, the defining penalty, the Champions League final in Milan. Juanfran has probably never felt so alone in his entire life. He'll have to forgive himself and regroup for Euro 2016, as there are talented replacements waiting in the wings.

Foto:Clive RoseGetty Images

Bellerín (Defender, Arsenal, 21)

Wenger's undisputed wing-back at Arsenal, an exciting, marauding talent blessed with lightning pace and real promise, he's had the type of season that's seen rumour rife about a potential move back to Barcelona where it all began to replace Dani Alves. He

Foto:JUAN FLORDIARIO AS

Piqué (Defender, Barcelona, 29)

Barça were at their best and suddenly their worst for a short period in the season which cost them the Champions League, but Piqué always did his job. He was outstanding last season, and while not quite reaching those heights at times this term, he's a vi

Foto:David RamosGetty Images

Sergio Ramos (Defender, Real Madrid, 30)

Real Madrid's captain comes into this tournament on a high after holding aloft that most coveted of prizes. His shoulder injury held him back in those first few months of the season, and he decided against the operation advised by the medical team to ensure his presence at Euro 2016. It hasn't been his best season, but he's played 33 games and that formidable central partnership of Piqué and Ramos looks set in stone.

Foto:FRANCK FIFEAFP

Bartra (Defender, Barcelona, 25)

Bartra's dreams of a big breakthrough season were dashed on the rocks of Luis Enrique's practicality at Barcelona, he's not even been in the squad for many of Barça's most decisive matches. Barça believe in him though, as does Del Bosque, perhaps more for

Foto:David RamosGetty Images

Jordi Alba (Defender, Barcelona, 27)

Little dispute about who Spain's left wing-back is, he's had an injury-free season with the double-winning Barcelona side, scoring the winning goal in the Copa Del Rey final and is a constant threat down the left. Alba has that ability to support the attack at the right moments and the knack of scoring very important goals. Barring injury, Alba is a nailed-on starter.

Foto:JUAN FLORDIARIO AS

San José (Midfielder, Athletic Bilbao, 27)

One of his best seasons so far, exceeding expectations at San Mamés. He's played almost every minute and has scored 5 goals, his contribution has earned him another contract at the Basque club, where he's played in the centre of midfield, but can also be

Foto:David RamosGetty Images

Sergio Busquets (Midfielder, Barcelona, 27)

Barcelona's gearbox and distributor, Busquets is where it all begins for both Barça and Spain - he's irreplaceable. His physical problems coincided with Barça's Spring slump, Busquets is one of a kind but comes into this tournament with more minutes in his legs than most: about 4,500.

Foto:JUAN FLORDIARIO AS

Thiago Alcantara (Midfielder, Bayern Munich, 25)

As the season wore on Thiago cemented his place in the centre of Pep's midfield. Del Bosque has anointed him as a natural successor to Xavi, a gifted retainer of possession with a range and vision of passing that merits talk of that daunting tag, even if he still has a long way to go to justify it.

Foto:JUAN FLORDIARIO AS

Koke (Midfielder, Atlético Madrid, 24)

With the injury to Tiago Mendes early in the season, Koke has been pushed backwards at the Calderón, but his passing and assists have climbed with the season pushing on, linking particularly well with Fernando Torres. Koke is a more complete player tactic

Foto:Dean MouhtaropoulosGetty Images

Cesc Fabregas (Midfielder, Chelsea, 29)

A year to forget for Fabregas, he actually said in an interview this season that he had "forgotten completely how to play football", and many have questioned his inclusion, saying that Saúl should have been given the nod in his stead. Del Bosque has shown

Foto:David RamosGetty Images

David Silva (Midfielder, manchester City, 30)

Plagued by injuries, when he's been fit and on the field Silva has probably been Manchester City's best player, their poor showing in the Champions League semi-final was in part put down to his absence, but Del Bosque will be aware of the Premier shipwrec

Foto:ANGELIKA WARMUTHEFE

Andres Iniesta (Midfielder, Barcelona, 32)

The departure of Xavi has weighed heavily on Iniesta, he's had to step further back to receive the ball and try to direct more rather than rove and find spaces the way he used to. Still a key player for Spain, his touch and ability to create space where there seems to be none hasn't waned, if Spain are to lift a third Euro trophy in a row, they'll need their Catalan conjurer at his absolute best.

Foto:David RamosGetty Images

Bruno Soriano (Midfielder, Villarreal, 31)

He played two friendlies with La Roja back in November, and there is word that Del Bosque might revert to two holding midfield players, Bruno stepping in next to Busquets to play a similar role to ex-Villarreal Marcus Senna in 2008. That shield would give

Foto:David RamosGetty Images

Pedro (Striker, Chelsea, 28)

Pedro left Barcelona a hero scoring the winning goal against Sevilla in that incredible 5-4 UEFA SuperCup in Tblisi, but his worst possible outcome imagined before his move to Chelsea must have looked like a holiday compared to the season he's experienced. The Premier League hasn't suited his more refined football, but he's always done a job for Spain, and almost always scores.

Foto:David RamosGetty Images

Nolito (Striker, Celta, 29)

In September the Celta Vigo man was hot property, firing his side to the top of the league and sparking agency wires with rumours of a return to Barça who have first dibs on the player. An injury struck him from the squad for about two months, promptly en

Foto:David RamosGetty Images

Aritz Aduriz (Striker, Athletic, 35)

Age is just a number. At least it is if you're Aritz Aduriz. His rage against the passing of the years has seen him finish the campaign as the in-form Spanish striker with 34 goals this season. His presence in the list was complicated by the idea of refeshing the squad with a new generation of players, Del Bosque did say that Fernando Torres' inclusion was out of the question because "We can't keep looking to the past", but as goal after goal went in, Aduriz' inclusion grew all the more undeniable. He'll be an excellent option if Del Bosque wants to change the way his team plays, provide a physical presence up front, and above all, grab the goals that could prove priceless.

Foto:JUAN FLORDIARIO AS

Morata (Striker, Juventus, 23)

Morata impressed last season and has shown flashes of what he's capable of this season, he's been completely open about his desire to return to Real Madrid and become one of los blancos' greats, and a sparkling tournament may be just the ticket to grab Florentino Perez' attention. His strike rate hasn't broken any records this season, however, 11 in 45 games, but has only played 5 complete matches. Part of the new-blood policy that Del Bosque is trying to transfuse.

Foto:JUAN FLORDIARIO AS

Lucas Vazquez (Striker, Real Madrid, 25)

The big surprise on Del Bosque's list. It's the first time the Real Madrid canterano has been called up to the Spanish squad, the man who's become Zidane's first-choice substitute in the absence of any of the BBC. He's scored 4 goals in 1.233 minutes in L

Foto:Laurence GriffithsGetty Images

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