VALLETTA • The stark contrast between Spain's embarrassment of riches in midfield, which has long been the envy of most European teams, and their well-documented woes up front remains a curious tale.
It is a problem dating back to the 2014 World Cup when then national coach Vicente del Bosque turned to Brazil-born Diego Costa to lead the line.
But the Atletico Madrid striker, excluded from the squad against Malta owing to injury, has never fully convinced in the role, nor the likes of Iago Aspas, Paco Alcacer, Lucas Vazquez and Alvaro Morata.
Their paucity in forward options was again evident in the 2-1 Euro 2020 qualifying opener win over Norway, when Spain needed a Sergio Ramos penalty to edge past Norway on home soil.
The hosts missed a hatful of chances last Saturday, with Morata particularly culpable, and while La Roja are unlikely to be troubled today when they travel to lowly Malta, coach Luis Enrique has a conundrum - that neither del Bosque nor predecessor Julen Lopetegui could solve - on his hands.
While many are expecting the former Barcelona boss to keep faith with Morata, who he defended over the weekend, there could be a place in the team for a second striker, with their opponents not expected to put up much of a fight.
Getafe forward Jaime Mata is a late bloomer, having never played in his country's top flight before this season.
MIDFIELD TALENT
He has been very good, he's an ice-cold player and he is intelligent.
LUIS ENRIQUE, Spain coach, on Valencia midfielder Dani Parejo.
However, as LaLiga's leading Spanish goalscorer this term with 13 goals, the 30-year-old has played an integral role in his fourth-placed side's unlikely push for a Champions League spot.
Having made his international debut from the bench in Valencia, Mata will likely figure in Enrique's thoughts as Spain look to rack up the goals against the likely Group F whipping boys, who have lost all seven of their previous meetings.
Thankfully for the Catalan, creating opportunities has never been an issue for the 2010 World Cup champions, who can call upon the likes of Sergio Busquets, Rodri, Dani Ceballos and Sergio Canales.
Dani Parejo is another player who has staked his claim to be in the starting line-up.
Despite the Valencia midfielder having just a single cap before the Norway meeting, Enrique declared he was "very happy that (Parejo) is with us. He has been very good, he's an ice-cold player and he is intelligent".
The 48-year-old coach also hailed former winger-turned-right-back Jesus Navas, who before the weekend was last capped five years ago, adding: "It's key to have players in a squad that overflow, and he has been at a spectacular level."
XINHUA
Gerard, breeder for theTurtleRoom.com shows an amazing video where a particularly angry Mata Mata Turtle (Chelus fimbriata) displays its ability to strike with incredible speed. Mata Matas have
Apartment rental in La Mata, Spain - YouTube
Translate text from over 50 languages! Quick setup. Simple use to quickly translate multiple lines of text with just a few clicks. Many extra tools including virtual keyboard, language definitions, word of the day and much more.
Mata would be open to returning to Spain but knows a move to Barca is unlikely. He could choose to stay at United, with negotiations for a new deal still ongoing and improved terms being offered
Best places to visit in Spain and when to go | CNN Travel
Mata's contract situation has led to a number of clubs from Spain taking and could use someone of Mata's ilk, who could add that element of creativity missing in their play in the final
Mata Mata or Snapping turtle? | MonsterFishKeepers.com
They are just the start of the best places to visit in Spain. Learn more about them and when to go. Destinations Food & Drink Play Stay in affordable one-bite portions. add its birthplace
Language Translation - 50 Languages! | TranslationWizard.net
What do adders look like and can they kill? The only venomous snakes native to the UK - here's all you need to know While the adder's bite can be very painful and the venom does have the
Bargain Shopping at Torrevieja Markets - Spain Holiday
Translate Kill. See 14 authoritative translations of Kill in Spanish with example sentences, conjugations and audio pronunciations.
Newcastle United to rival Barcelona for the signing of
I'm interested in getting a new turtle for my office. I'm considering a mata mata or a alligator snapping turtle. I know both species are fully aquatic, but still come out of the water occasionally. My office tank is a custom tank that's 36 inches high.
What do adders look like and can they kill? The only venomous
This is a 3 bedroom apartment available for holiday rental in La Mata, Spain. A few people have asked several questions relating to a property relating to locations and sizes. This one will give
Kill in Spanish | English to Spanish Translation - SpanishDict
La Mata market is just a few kilometres north of Torrevieja by the salt lakes so you can always combine your shopping trip with a walk around this beautiful natural area. You could pick up some picnic ingredients - fresh bread, cheese and olives - from the market to enjoy alfresco dining by the lakes.
Sources: Barcelona monitoring Rashford, Mata - ESPN FC
Fastest Bite in the Animal Kingdom? - YouTube
No comments:
Post a Comment