As the 2012/2013 club season draws to a close, a summer of wild transfer rumours begins, with continental and international football on the horizon. This year, it's the U21 European Championship, held in Israel, which is catching all the attention. After competitions such as the Next Gen Series have gained a credible and popular following, youth football has been more sought after in recent years than ever before – which is why, this summer, Israel is the big stage for such talented individuals.
2011 was a big year for La Rojita, who topped off an impressive campaign by winning this tournament, and they are again major favourites for this year's competition. Looking at the squad, it's not difficult to see why they're in contention, and with their world-famous youth set-up brilliance, we shouldn't be surprised to see them lift the crown for the 2nd year running. Coach Julen Lopetegui will head into the campaign on a high, having endured a fantastic unbeaten qualification period which saw them top their group. Yet, with that in mind, and the consistent excellent performance by more than 11 players, its a headache selection for the Spaniard, who announced his squad in May. The full squad:
Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Manchester United), Diego Mariño (Villarreal) and Joel (Atlético Madrid)
Defenders: Martín Montoya, Marc Barta, Marc Muniesa (all Barcelona), Nacho, Daniel Carvajal (both Real Madrid), Iñigo Martínez (Real Sociedad), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla) and Álvaro (Real Zaragoza)
Midfielders: Asier Illarramendi (Real Sociedad), Ignacio Camacho, Isco (both Málaga), Thiago Alcantara (Barcelona), Koke (Atlético Madrid), Sergio Canales (Valencia) and Pablo Sarabia (Getafe)
Forwards: Rodrigo (SL Benfica), Cristian Tello (Barcelona), Álvaro Morata (Real Madrid), Iker Muniain (Athletic Club) and Álvaro Vázquez (Getafe)
The side contains both great talent and strong team cohesion after their qualification period. Yet there is a key theme throughout the team – first team football. The likes of David de Gea, Ignacio Camacho and Isco have performed regularly at their respective clubs at the highest level in the UEFA Champions League, and others such as Iñigo Martínez, Daniel Carvajal, Asier Illarramendi and Koke have starred at their clubs during a season which saw all of them play some part in European football. Rodrigo is among a fantastic set of attackers at Benfica, including Cardozo and Lima, yet still manages to achieve a great level of game time and show he is very much a big player for La Rojita. For others, such as Martín Montoya, Cristian Tello and Thiago Alcântara are beginning to feature a lot more for Barcelona, which is a huge improvement and positive note for the Spanish set-up.
That alone just expresses how strong this side really is. Of course, sides such as Germany, Italy and England also have great depth and strength in their respective squads, which is why this year's competition may be one the best there has been.
The group that Spain are in for this tournament it is a very difficult and talented group. Russia, Germany and the Netherlands will go against this La Rojita side. The fantastic talents of Alan Dzagoev, Lewis Holtby and Kevin Strootman all outline how difficult it will be for Spain to progress, but it's sure to be exciting for the neutrals watching in the stadia and at home.
As the Spanish side kick-off their U21 Championship campaing against Russia on the 6th June in Jerusalem, Lopetegui will look to retain the U21 crown, and in a sense, you have to back them to do so.
