Five Spanish starlets who can become the next big names

Matt Haynes | November 14, 2015

Spain, who are 11/2 to win Euro 2016 would have been short favourites for the previous edition of the tournament. Having waned at the World Cup, suffering a shock exit at the group stage, though, remarkably are still chasing a record third consecutive Euro triumph.

Currently in a period of transition, La Roja have a number of other stars who will hang up their boots during the next couple of years. As a result, we suggest five players who can make the step up and pick up the mantle of responsibility.

Sergi Roberto

Being eased into the first team at Barcelona, the 22-year-old has been tipped to step into the shoes of Xavi Hernandez and have the same impact. A fine distributor of the ball, he can bring back the metronomic presence to the Spain national team and be a mainstay for years to come.

Marc Bartra

Another who hails from Barcelona’s famous La Masia youth academy, Bartra has bundles of potential and is one of a crop of young Spanish centre backs with talent. Established in the Barca first team, he has struck up a great on-field relationship with Gerard Pique and will have high hopes of cementing his international future.

Saul Niguez

A prodigious talent, the 19-year-old Atletico Madrid midfielder has drawn comparisons to Sergio Busquets and certainly seems to have similar traits. He also operates in a similar position and is being groomed to play a major role both domestically and internationally in the future.