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Spain - Team Profile
30/03/2006
Having been perennial underachievers Spain could be on the verge of their first world title and their success could be down to the English Premiership. For years Spanish players played all their football in their own country. Since the last World Cup there has been a sea change with eight of their squad now plying their trade in England. It is this less insular attitude that Spain could find to their advantage.
First choice goalkeeper and regarded as one of the best in the world is Íker Casillas. A regular in the national team and Real Madrid, Casillas has been playing international football since 2000. Casillas will be 25 shortly before the World Cup. In reserve they have Liverpool keep Pepe Reina, whose father Miguel was also a Spanish international. Reina has done well in his first season at Anfield breaking a record for the most consecutive Premiership clean sheets.
Despite having disciplinary problems Sergio Ramos could be a starter in central defence alongside the improved Barcelona stopper Carles Puyol. Although one of Chelsea's weaker players this season there should be a place at left back for Asier del Horno while the right back place could go to Míchel Salgado - Real Madrid's current right back.
The midfield could have three British based stars in it. Xabi Alonso has had another outstanding year for Liverpool being a regular starter in a competitive midfield. A tireless worker with an eye for goal he is the type of intelligent midfielder who could make his mark on this tournament. His teammate Luis Garcia is not the most consistent of players but he has a knack of turning games with a flash of brilliance and opportunistic goals. Cesc Fabregas has come of age this year at Arsenal including overshadowing his mentor Patrick Vieira in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in March. Coach Luis Aragonés has opted for David Albelda as the holding midfielder with Joaquín or Vincente as his wide men.
Up front the new Spanish hero is Fernando Torres or El Nino as he is known in his home country. Captain of his club since he was 18-years-old Torres has been attracting interest from a number of Premiership clubs. Captain Raul is not as good as he once was but is still much respected. He has struggled with injuries with this year but is on the verge full fitness. If he is not fully fit there could be a place in the starting line-up for either David Villa of Valencia or Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes.