Liverpool midfielder Thiago has been named in Spain’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 tournament.
The 30-year-old has been in astonishing form for the last month or so and has been rewarded with a place in his national team for this summer’s competition.
Thiago has won 41 caps for the side since he made his debut in 2011. This number would undoubtedly be much higher had he not suffered from so many injuries in the last decade.
He has been a regular starter for the last few international games, so his inclusion is no surprise.
Luis Enrique’s squad was announced this morning by the Spanish FA.
Rather than choosing 26 players, as permitted, Enrique has decided to bring just 24.
Sergio Ramos is the big surprise omission. The 35-year-old has suffered an injury-plagued campaign.
There are seven more Premier League stars that will join Thiago in the squad. These are goalkeepers David de Gea and Robert Sanchez, Manchester City trio Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia and Rodri, Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta and Wolves’ Adama Traore.
It is Laporte’s first call-up since switching his international allegiance from France last week.
While Enrique’s squad is talented, it is nowhere near as star-studded as we have been accustomed to with the Spanish national team. Unlike their golden era from 2008 to 2012, there are very few genuine superstars in the squad.
The youngsters are promising though and should become superstars quite soon.
Thiago will be key to potential Spain success
Thiago is probably the best player in the squad. He is world-class, without a doubt.
With Ramos out, Enrique could decide to appoint him as captain.
Enrique still has to decide who his No 1 will be. David de Gea has been dropped by Manchester United, while Robert Sanchez is still proving himself. It will likely be Unai Simon in goals, who has been solid for Athletic Club in La Liga.
Laporte and Pau Torres are Spain’s two best centre-backs. The only problem is that they both usually play on the left side. Enrique should ignore that and shift one of them over to the right.
The versatile Marcos Llorente, who had a massive contribution to Atletico Madrid’s recent La Liga title win playing as a second-striker, will probably be at right-back.
On the left, Jose Gaya should overtake Jordi Alba, but the Barcelona man may start due to his experience.
Thiago is a near-certainty to start in midfield. The team will have great balance with him in the centre of the park.
Past-his-peak Sergio Busquets will battle it out with Premier League-winner Rodri to play as the No 6.
There will be a great battle to see who plays as the second No 8. La Liga-winning captain Koke is a fantastic player, if not quite in the elite bracket.
He faces competition from two players that are on their way to becoming midfield superstars. These are Napoli’s Fabian Ruiz and Barcelona’s 18-year-old sensation Pedri.
The front three is open for debate, with some really talented youngsters battling it out to start.
Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres are all set to explode onto the world stage. We all know of the damage that Adama Traore can do.
The central striker should be Gerard Moreno. He has 23 goals and seven assists in La Liga this season so should start ahead of the inconsistent Alvaro Morata.
Spain are unlikely to win the Euros this year. But if Thiago brings his best form, anything can happen.
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