Just like they did in 2011 and 2013 at the European U-21 Championships, Spain are slipping into cruise control. And it’s at just the right time that the boys are starting to become men.
While the group stage was hardly a laboured effort there was a feeling Spain U-21 could do that little extra. On Tuesday night, they encountered that very thing - and more. An Italy team blessed with its own smattering of talent was swept aside in a swashbuckling second-half team display, with the cherry on the top being an audacious performance from Dani Ceballos of Real Betis.
Such was the level of Ceballos' performance, Saul’s outstanding hat-trick was seen as a mere detail. Still, the Atleti midfielder became only the third Spain U-21 player to score a treble at the tournament - Thiago in 2013 and Marco Asensio in the opening game of this edition being the others. He also came into the tournament on the back of playing 839 minutes in Europe last season - the entire England squad in Poland had 748 between them.
The tired line of ‘Better Call Saul’ alluding to a hit American TV show should really be adjusted to ‘Big Game Saul’ now, given the 21-year-old’s reputation for scoring vital goals in high pressure situations. 75% of his 16 goals for club and country in 2016/2017 have been the first of the game, emphasising the point he’s the man for the big occasion.
He’s developed in a rapid manner over the years at Atleti, and Rayo where he undertook an important loan under Paco Jemez. Incredibly while at Vallecas, Saul was situated in a centre-back role - he flourished even there of course. His current boss, Diego Simeone, knows all too well about the abilities of the player.
"Saul has all the conditions to be among the best midfielders in the world. He can shoot, pass, has rhythm, plays with his head.” declared Cholo this season.
Saul alone is a difficult threat to deal with, but add in the rest of the components and we have a team that could equal - or even surpass - many full International teams. As a tired, lifeless Confederations Cup plays out in Russia it’s worth wondering how far this current Spain U-21 vintage could go.
A multi-faceted unit, this Spanish crop are able to blend different styles together. On the defensive end they keep their shape well, and offer balance. When the full-backs push up the field, Marcos Llorente knows when to drop into the heart of defence and initiate play or plug a gap. His unassuming, well-judged displays have been vital to Spain’s progress so far as much as events on the attacking end have been. Everyone seems to know their role well and executes it to near perfection.
Event the goalkeeper, Kepa, has put himself on equal billing with the leading stars in the team. He was called upon more than previously against Italy, and stood up to the task. Like against Portugal he was composed and secure when Spain were finally rattled by an opponent. The Athletic goalkeeper’s name is never mentioned in the same breath as Gianluigi Donnarumma but on evidence of his displays over the course of 16/17 he should be.
This is what’s so special about this group, the complete and whole nature of it. While there are leading stars such as Asensio, Ceballos and Saul, ultimately the most admirable aspect of the team is its unity. There is an acknowledgment of the expectation and rather than run from it or play it down, this young Spain team have taken the bar from the previous winners and if anything attempted to raise it. A confidence exists within the camp, but also humility. There are no prima-donnas or egos.
After Ceballos’ show the other night he relaxed in the mixed zone with journalists eager for words from the man of the moment. As the Spain press officer tugged at him to make his way to the team bus, he insisted on speaking with everyone - and even posing for photographs. Jesus Vallejo too was happy to talk, he may be a Real Madrid player and heir to Gerard Pique as Spain’s leading centre-back, but there is a case for the 20-year-old being the most grounded in the camp. He has no social media accounts, flashy trainers or chunky headphones when getting off the team bus and gives off the impression of being just any other guy. This despite him potentially being Spain’s next world class defender.
Germany will no doubt be a tough test for Spain. They are equally blessed individually, have a fine atmosphere in their own team camp and possess a similar level of organisation on and off the field. The German side share the same values of Spain when it comes to developing players, and they understand if these kids don’t play - they don’t progress.
Spain’s squad arrived with just under 39,000 minutes under their belts at club level, while Germany’s youngsters came with nearly 33,000. There is only so much a player can learn by watching, and taking notes. To truly flourish and reach potential there needs to be a consistency in terms of exposure to the ‘real thing’. When Ceballos was on the sidelines this season at Betis in Gus Poyet’s ill-fated reign, he was going stir-crazy. Not out of arrogance and ill-discipline, but his desire to progress.
1986, 1998, 2011, 2013. The bar keeps on being raised by Spain at Under-21 level and the class of 2017 are looking to pass their test in style.
A por la quinta…as they say.
