3 ms·

spain really has a disproportionnate amount of small players. That's why they use such a different kind of game (which i like a lot), with many fast short passe

• carlio 12y ago
  That style of football is also dependent on closing down the opposition when Spain don't have the ball, meaning the players have to run a lot, and be fast and fit. Several of the important midfield players are now "old" (Xavi is 34, Xabi Alonso is 32, for example) so they aren't as good at that side of the game as they used to be. Also, while it was completely new 6 years ago when they won the European Championship, now people know what to expect and have better counter-tactics. And thirdly, a lot of the Spanish players play for Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who all had long and difficult seasons. The players weren't able to ease off at all, so must be more exhausted than normal.
  • vorador 12y ago
    Yes, Xavi has been declining for a number of years. I think it's one of the reasons the FC Barcelone isn't as good as they were. Also, Del Bosque has made some questionable player choices.