So Spain are going to go for it. An unprecedented achievement of three European wins in a row. Something that would be quite outstanding. A lot of the key players who helped achieve that won't be playing this summer, but one of the important will be and Spain will look to him to provide.
Iniesta isn't done yet. Many thought, myself included, that he would start to decline this season due to age and not having Xavi with him. Not true. He has elevated his game and grown wiser on the ball. For me, he's been the best player I've seen this season. Nobody has a better command of the football than him. An exceptional baller.
The task for him and his Spanish teammates is monumental. Del Bosque hasn't helped matters by leaving Saul, Isco and Torres behind and there are some young heads here. As talented as they may be, they may not be able to have what it takes to compete at this level. With Iniesta being easily the standout player, just like with Barcelona, more will be required from him and he'll need to take his game to an even higher level if Spain are to go far.
Del Bosque has always built this as a team effort without relying on any individuals. But I'll drop some truth sauce on you; Spain can only go as far as Iniesta takes them. Without him, there is nobody who is as creative and can execute those through-balls better than he can. Iniesta won't give you a Zidane 2006, but what he deos in the team is pretty much create those chances and see passes that others do not.
He's Spain's jewel.
Despite all of that, this is too great a task for him. He'll get some support because there are some nice players in this team, but overall, this is a mountain too high. If they meet France, Germany or even Portugal, I don't see them winning those games. Most likely they'll get taken out in ninety. The contribution of Xavi and Alonso was so crucial in Spain dominating games and reducing the workload that Iniesta will now need to take upon in their absence.
But if Iniesta does the unthinkable and stars in this tournament and take Spain all the way to the Promised Land...then we just might have our fifth horseman. HH
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