La Liga just one reason Spain should be backed for Euros glory
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For the third year running Spain is now guaranteed to be celebrating double-sided success in Uefa’s most prestigious club competitions. As omens go ahead of a European Championship, this can’t be too bad.
Such dominance of the continental scene might well nudge punters towards the 11/2 third favourites for Euro 2016.
Of course, the Barcelona’s, Sevilla’s, Atletico Madrid’s and Real Madrid’s of this world are not exclusively Spanish in terms of playing personnel.
However, all of the above, not to mention Villarreal, have high-quality La Roja representation at their hearts.
Here are three reasons to jump on Vicente del Bosque’s treble-seeking Spaniards.
La Liga rules the waves
As alluded to, the strength of their domestic league is a genuine yardstick with which to measure Spain’s squad by.
Seventeen of Del Bosque’s 25-man provisional squad ply their trade in La Liga. Of that leading contingent, 12 are servants of Spain’s ‘big three’.
That stellar trio consists of 2015/16 Champions League finalists, Atletico and Real, and freshly crowned La Liga champs Barcelona. Athletic Bilbao, Villarreal, Sevilla and Celta Vigo are also represented at this stage.
The pain of World Cup 2014 needs erasing
Considering Spain were on an unprecedented run of three consecutive tournament victories heading to Brazil, their group-stage exit was a genuine World Cup shock.
Perhaps it was a tournament too far for some of La Roja’s seasoned champions. But that’s now in the past and will only have strengthen Spain’s resolve to wipe away that stain at the earliest possible moment.
Sevilla have paved the way
Spain are already in uncharted tournament waters having created Euros history with back to back wins in 2008 and 2012.
Winning three in a row might seem inconceivable to some. Del Bosque’s men need only look at Sevilla’s recent exploits to garner the belief to achieve the feat though.
Unai Emery’s heroic side wrote their name into the history books by lifting a third successive Europa League trophy.
25-man provisional Spain Squad for Euro 2016
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David De Gea (Manchester United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla)
Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Marc Bartra (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid).
Midfielders: Bruno (Villarreal), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Thiago (Bayern Munich), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), David Silva (Man City), Pedro (Chelsea), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid).
Forwards: Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao), Nolito (Celta Vigo), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Lucas Vasquez (Real Madrid)
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
