Slight Spain plight will engender exciting era of excellence

Step forward Sergi Roberto, dubbed as the ‘heir to Xavi’, Gerard Deulofeu, and Marc Bartra. Worryingly there seems no natural successor to the man that appeared to make the difference for club and country. Carles Puyol, nicknamed ‘Tarzan’ for his extreme levels of concentration, boundless energy and leadership abilities, the rugged centre back added the fighting quality that gave both Barcelona and Spain an edge over other teams.

If there is one thing that people can expect from Enrique, then it’s a high-energy approach which will underpin all elements of elegance. After retiring from football the former winger turned to marathon running, before deeming that discipline not challenging enough. Triathlons followed, and soon after Ironmans. Fitness is going to dominate at the Nou Camp for the foreseeable, and how apt for Spain if Enrique uncovers another Puyol.

Continuing forward, Del Bosque should recognise the ability of Iniesta to step into the shoes of Xavi. Tri-telepathy in midfield will cease. Although Sergio Busquets remains, a vacancy is up for grabs. Koke has the ability to make the position his own. Other contenders would include Real Madrid’s Isco – perhaps a more like-for-like player to Iniesta, and then there is Ander Herrera of Athletic Bilbao, strongly tipped to be Louis van Gaal’s first signing as new Manchester United boss. Throw into the mix, Thiago Alcantara of Bayern Munich, and the potential loss of metronome Xavi all of a sudden seems less devastating.

The upshot is; Spanish fans have alot to be excited about. Much has been bandied about the ‘false nine’ that brought them success two years ago at Euro 2012. Cesc Fabregas can play there. Former Valencia duo, Mata and Silva are clinical finishers; mobile, and experts at finding pockets of space, drifting in between opposition lines and interchanging with each other.

Indecision from the coaching hierarchy at this World Cup has cost them. The convincing win against Australia may have handed Del Bosque a lifeline. No doubt the best option for the powers that be is to sound out Pep Guardiola – arguably the most gifted coach in world football, and more significantly, Spanish. There will not be a better time to offer the Munich manager the post, though a Champions League crown still eludes him at the German champions.

This would be the perfect appointment to placate peeved fans. Guardiola won everything there is to win as Barca boss, and knows Spanish football down to a tee.

One player definitely not returning is David Villa. Having secured a move to Manchester City owned franchise, New York City, albeit via Melbourne City, the striker reminded everyone just how good he is with an improvised Cruyff turn finish of the highest quality, to score his 59th and final goal in 97 international appearances.

Villa was overcome with emotion when eventually substituted, tears acknowledging this goal was his final act serving his nation. “I don’t like to say farewell, but obviously this World Cup will be my last games for Spain,” he said prior to the tournament.

“Given my age, my level of performance, and everything I have given the team, it is time. Now I want to enjoy it from the first day, have a great World Cup and why not try to get another title?”

Words for the next generation to live by. As the curtain comes down on the careers of the old guard, fresh faces must now garner greatness. Manchester United’s David de Gea appears the likeliest to fill the gloves of custodian Iker Casillas, who, after hardly playing for the last two years shouldn’t have started at the finals. His lack of match sharpness and first touch were no longer there. It was perhaps the one grave mistake by Del Bosque, who must now resurrect his country’s fortunes if he’s allowed to endure.