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An XI of the best World Cup players from Spain

Despite having participated in every World Cup since 1978, it is only recently that Spain have left their mark on the biggest football tournament on the planet. The masters of “tiki-taka” first competed in the World Cup in 1934 and hosted the finals in 1982 but have only triumphed once – in 2010.

Their triumph in South Africa came at the peak of their modern revolution although many do also forget that Spain finished fourth in the 1950 tournament in Brazil. With a rich history in the competition, many of Spain’s greatest players have competed multiple times on the biggest competition in world sport. But which Spain players would make their all time World Cup XI?

 

Spain all-time World Cup XI

 

GK: Iker Casillas

Undoubtedly one of the best keepers of his generation, Iker Casillas always shone between the sticks. His ability to pull off unbelievable stops at close range made him a phenomenal shot stopper and had lightning fast reflexes when he needed them. It was no surprise then that Casillas debuted at the 2002 World Cup and stayed in the Spain squad for another 3 tournaments.

It would be the 2010 tournament where Casillas was at his finest. Not only did he captain Spain to their maiden title but he set a joint record of 5 clean sheets in the tournament winning the 2010 Golden Glove and a spot in the 2010 World Cup Dream Team. It was the pinnacle of a career full of records including the all-time record for clean sheets in international records.

 

RB: Sergio Ramos

Nobody has been a mainstay for Spain in the 21st century more than Sergio Ramos. The versatile defender can play either at centre back or right back with almost no weaknesses in his all-round game. Spain’s all time record appearance holder has starred in no less than 4 World Cups from 2006-2018 and has shone at numerous tournaments.

In Spain’s 2010 win, Ramos played every second of the tournament and was a perennial threat down the right hand side earning a spot in the 2010 Dream Team. He also captained his side in the 2018 tournament where they reached the last 16 before losing to Russia. With 17 matches at the World Cup, Ramos has appeared in more matches than any other Spaniard showcasing his legacy as one of their best defenders.

 

LB: Miguel Angel Nadal

For much of the 1990s, Miguel Angel Nadal shone as one of Europe’s best defenders. The versatile player had enough speed and skill to function as a full back but had enough power and composure to anchor both the defence and midfield.

Appearing at 3 tournaments, Nadal often showed why Spain were always a strong squad to face with their run to the last eight at USA 1994 being his biggest highlight. Never to be outgunned, Nadal was always hard to beat and helped their defence shut out some of the world’s best attackers. An underrated but consistent performer for Spain on the global stage of the World Cup.

 

CB: Fernando Hierro

A revolutionary in his time, Hierro was a defender who could play like a midfielder. His powerful figure often overshadowed his technical skill that made him an adept playmaker and finisher. It was a major reason why Hierro captained La Roja at the 1998 and 2002 World Cup tournaments even if his team underperformed on both occasions.

Hierro also had a taste for goals scoring no less than four times in three tournaments – a joint fifth best for any Spanish player at the World Cup. This all-round skillset made him one of the best defenders of his era and his nation.

 

CB: Carles Puyol

Carles Puyol was the epitome of the modern defender for many years. An excellent tackler and powerful in the air, Puyol could also uncork spectacular passes when the time called for it. He starred in Spain sides that flirted with promise in both 2002 and 2006 but really came of age in 2010 World Cup.

As part of a defence that conceded only two goals, Puyol lead the backline superbly earning a nomination into the 2010 Dream Team selection. His experienced was vital for Spain in becoming a top threat and his 14 games at World Cups makes him one of Spain’s most experienced contenders on the grandest stage of them all.

 

CM: Xavi

Perhaps the best passer of his era, Xavi could destroy teams with a flick of his boot. Never one to rush his passes, Xavi could wait for the opportune moment to ping the ball to an attacker and provide key assists without any effort. One of the innovators of “tiki-taka”, Xavi’s style could be seen at no less than four World Cups – just one of 5 Spaniards to achieve that feat.

His passing played a big role in their 2010 World Cup win in a year that saw Xavi named World Soccer Player of the Year and appear in the 2010 Dream Team. He has played 15 times at the World Cup and is one of the best passers to ever grace football’s biggest competition.

 

CM: Andres Iniesta

Xavi’s partner in crime, Andres Iniesta provided more cutting edge than his tiki-taka cohorts. Capable of carrying the ball long distances and striking from long range, Iniesta was a threat both inside and outside of the box.

One of the best talents of the 2010 World Cup, Iniesta played a pivotal role scoring the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup final and earning a spot in the 2010 Dream team squad. Iniesta also played defining roles in Spain’s run to the knockout stages in 2018 and is one of 5 players to appear in 4 World Cup tournaments for Spain.

 

CM: Michel

A tricky winger on his day, Michel could be deployed on either flank and take it to teams singlehandedly. His best form undoubtedly came in on debut at the 1990 World Cup where he scored 4 goals in the tournament.

Despite Spain only reaching the last 16, it was still enough for Michel to win the Bronze Boot for the tournament. He also appeared in the 1994 squad that reached the quarter final stage but remains an underrated player in his time.

 

FW: Zarra

One of the first true great Spanish players, Zarra often carried a goal threat that few could match. A star in the 1940s and 1950s, Zarra was on his best form at the 1950 World Cup.

It was here that he scored 4 goals as Spain finished fourth in the tournament beating many of their contemporaries. The helped Zarra reach a record of 20 goals in 20 games for his country – a ratio that is unmatched by any other Spanish striker.

 

FW: Emilio Butragueno

For much of the 1980s and 1990s, Emilio Butragueno was the perennial threat for the Spanish frontline. Debuting at his home tournament in 1982, it would be the following tournament where Butragueno would shine.

In 1986, Butragueno would score 5 goals in the competition – winning the Silver Boot for his efforts as well as a spot in the 1986 World Cup All Star team. He would go on to captain Spain at the 1990 World Cup although they would be knocked out in the second round. A dynamic player for both club and country.

 

FW:David Villa

For much of the 2000s, nobody was as deadly a finisher as David Villa. Capable of stroking the ball home as well as lashing it home, Villa was the ultimate predator in the box.  He often rose to occasion on the biggest stage – none more so than World Cup.

He would score 9 times for Spain at the World Cup including a best of 5 goals in the 2010 tournament where they would win the trophy. It was here that Villa would win the Golden Boot as well as a spot in the All Star Spot. With 9 goals, he is Spain’s best goal scorer at the World Cup as well as being their overall record goal scorer. One of the best of his or any generation.

 


 

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