The Empire Continues – Spain’s Next World Beaters

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Ted Menmuir

It’s bad news for the rest of us! Spain youth ranks are continuing to produce the nectar needed to win major international trophies. The Spanish under 19 were crowned European Champions in Romania last summer, whilst the under 20′s remain unbeaten in over 12 matches. Much may have been written about FC Barcelona’s Mesias youth system, but all La Liga clubs are chipping in to produce top quality talent.

Oddslife gives you the breakdown on the next Spaniards! Be afraid be. Be very afraid!

Isco – Malaga

Alarcon Suarez ‘Isco’ has been one of La Liga’s revelations this season, playing for petrol funded Malaga FC. Many commentators did not expect the young attacking midfield to flourish this season as they believed it was still too early in his career. Isco has shown great consistency establishing himself in a strong Malaga FC side. A very skilful player with great pace, Isco looks set to establish himself in Spain’s Senior side – watch this space!

Iker Muniain – Athletic Bilbao

One of the stars of Bilbao’s 2012 ‘UEFA Cup’ run, Iker Munian has grown in international stature along with many Bilbao teammates. Muniain has been linked with a move to the Premiership with Manchester United watching closely. A left wing forward, Muniain is not afraid to take on defenders and has that Spanish ability of never missing a pass and keeping constant control of the ball. However many have commentated that his finishing needs to improve in order to make the grade.

Isaac Cuenca – FC Barcelona

Pep Guardiola may have stated that young Cuenca is not one for the ladies, but la Mesia have managed to produce another gem of a player. Mostly used as an impact sub by Barcelona, Cuenca has been used frequently by Guardiola to produce space against negative defences. Cuenca has all the virtues of a Barcelona product; great feet and a selfless work ethic combined with football nous. His rise in the Barcelona team may signify the end of Ibrahim Afellay’s stay at Barcelona

Martin Montoya – FC Barcelona

One of the reasons FC Barcelona may well be fielding a full Catalan back four for next season. Montoya has shown great promise whilst playing right back for Barcelona. Not as dynamic as Dani Alves, Montoya is a different type of defender. His displays when called upon have shown great maturity.

Sergio Canales – FC Valencia

Canales broke into Spanish eyes in the 2010/11 season, scoring sensational goals for Racing Santander. The media quickly labelled this player Spain’s Cristiano Ronaldo, due to his tremendous skills and ability to take on defenders. This combined with his good looks made Canales a constant feature in Spain’s sport daily’s. A move to the dizzy heights of Real Madrid followed where the young Canales did not feature in Mourinho’s plans. Canales has now made his way to Valencia where we expect him to get more game time and capture his true talent

Adrian Alvarez – Atletico Madrid

Adrian Alvarez was a consistent performer in Atletico’s 2nd half of season that saw Atleti win the ‘UEFA Cup’. He has shown great link up play with the unstoppable Falcao for Atletico, and contributed vital goals to their campaign. So much so that the young player was chosen in Vicente Del Bosques provisional squad for the Euros. Alvarez has great temprement and appears to be a striker in the mould of the of the great poachers – Gary Linekar, Filipo Inzaghi, he could well push for the mighty David Villa’s starting place in La Roja’s eleven!

Alvaro Morata – Real Madrid

Real Madrid have not produced a home grown first team regular since Iker Casillas took charge in goal. Many are hoping that Alvaro Morata steps up to the plate. Nevertheless, the young striker has a massive task ahead establishing himself in one of Europe’s Premier attacks. If he does achieve this Morata will be taking over the mantal of Madrid born forward at Real from the legend that is Raul – no small task then! Morata is yet to be a even a regular sub for Mourinho, but Madrid’s newspapers are building this striker as a future weapon for Real, with a killer instinct for scoring goals.