Catalonia XI vs Spain XI - Who would win?

While Catalonia’s impending split from Spain bears various political repercussions, if the Catalan faithful were to gain independence, there could be seriously damaging implications for one of the nation’s finest football clubs too.Barcelona, for those of you who do not know, is the capital city of the region of Catalonia, which is currently pushing for independence from Spain in order to secure greater financial stability and improve infrastructure and services. A year ago, Catalonian nationalists held an unofficial poll in which 80% of voters supported the idea of independence. And after storming to a majority win in September’s regional elections, the campaign is gathering momentum.So how do one of Europe’s elite sides fit into the equation? Well, if the divide were to come to fruition, FC Barcelona are expected to be excluded from La Liga, a vision echoed by league president Javier Tebas. It would be a devastating loss for the Spanish national game as their expulsion would also spell the end of ‘El Clasico’, a fixture we will see for the first time this season on the coming weekend.In honour of the prestigious encounter, I have compiled a team of Catalan individuals and put them up against the Spanish national side, to really expose who gets the better end of the bargain. After all, this could be a potential match-up in a year or so’s time.

#1 GK: Kiko Casilla (CAT) vs David De Gea (SPA)

While Barcelona would potentially be victims of the split, so would their city rivals Espanyol, the club Kiko Casilla was signed from by Real Madrid earlier this year. Since his €6million transfer in July 2015 Kiko has managed just the two appearances for the Madrid club, so why is he even in contention?

Aside from Casilla, other options for Catalonia’s man-between-the-sticks include Jordi Masip, a 26-year-old starved of first team action at Barcelona, and Victor Valdes, whose abrupt release from the Blaugrana and unsettled situation at United hardly render him a viable option.

Having strung together well beyond 100 league appearances at Espanyol, the 29-year-old Casilla therefore gets the nod, based on experience but also on the fact that he boasts a physically imposing figure which only heightens his aerial presence. Casilla’s big shortcoming though is in the discipline department; he is prone to rash decisions and has been known to be clumsy outside of the box.

As a result, it looks like Spain would edge this particular battle. David De Gea was on the brink of a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. But the paperwork fell through and, like the top professional he is, De Gea has responded with five clean sheets in eight appearances. With youth on his side, the Spaniard’s razor sharp reflexes and concentration in front of goal hand him the victory in this battle.

Verdict: Spain Win

#2 RB: Hector Bellerin (CAT) vs. Dani Carvajal (SPA)

Arsenal’s incessant injury list in the opening stages of last season hit their defence hardest and prompted some bizarre moves by Arsene Wenger, not least the decision to introduce Barcelona youth product Hector Bellerin to the first-team frame.

Immediately, pundits saw his prime asset was his blistering pace and eagerness to get forward, traits some felt rendered him more suited to the Gunners’ play than the then-injured Matthieu Debuchy.

Since then Bellerin has made a whirlwind impact and many tip him to be one of the finest full-backs around for years to come. The 20-year-old has energy in abundance, is incredibly strong with the ball at his feet and has a high work-rate in both defensive and attacking departments, boasting a great eye for a pass.

Flying the flag for Spain at right-back is Dani Carvajal. Real Madrid aren’t renowned for their excellent development of youth players and, although Dani was one of the odd few who flourished in the Castilla academy, he slipped through Real’s fingers, making the switch to Bayer Leverkusen in 2012 and establishing himself in the Bundesliga. This forced Los Blancos to exercise his buy-back clause of €6.5-million and now he has cemented himself as a Real regular.

With an average pass completion of 89.9% in all competitions this campaign, Carvajal’s intense pressing style high up the pitch, coupled with his ability to whip in dangerous crosses, something his Catalan counterpart Bellerin often struggles with, this is a difficult battle to call. Basing it purely on enthusiasm and attacking calibre though, it’s got to be Bellerin.

Verdict: Catalonia Win

#3 CB: Gerard Pique (CAT) vs. Sergio Ramos (SPA)

A battle of two heavyweights, this really is a difficult one to call. Despite having formed a formidable partnership at the heart of Spain’s defence over the years, Gerard Piqué and Sergio Ramos’ arch rivalry at club level would be replicated in this hypothetical tie. The two have played over 600 games between them, with Sergio Ramos racking up the majority of the appearances at 375.

Embedded within a Barcelona defence prone to turbulent change, Gerard Piqué has always been Mr. Consistent and remains one of the core members of the 2011 side which has been dubbed as arguably the greatest club team in history.

His aerial presence from corners is practically unrivalled, while all good possession-oriented sides need defenders which are comfortable and assertive in possession, a trait he certainly possesses, as Gerard often distributes it around the back-line to fuel attacks. Having played alongside the likes of Carlos Puyol, Javier Mascherano and, more recently, Marc Bartra, Piqué is often the man required to sit back and blunt attacks, which would be vital in a match-up of this calibre.

Sergio Ramos meanwhile, once employed as a right-back, has become a prominent face among the Madrid ranks for many a year, demonstrating great leadership skills when he’s captained both club and country. In terms of dealing with a newly formed attacking trio, I feel Sergio’s superior experience and mobility would render him more astute than Pique in this clash, while his remarkable 44 career goals mean he poses a greater attacking threat

Verdict: Spain Win

#4 CB: Marc Bartra (CAT) vs. Mikel San Jose

Although a pivotal component of the side which spearheads La Liga at present, Marc Bartra hasn’t been the most assured defender in Spain’s top-flight this season and his faults can be encapsulated namely in the Spanish Supercup clash before the domestic season began, where we saw his defensive frailties exposed on numerous occassions, the 24-year-old was caught out when pressing too high and vulnerable when trying to avert the danger of set-pieces.

All that said, Marc has, whether it be due to the slim alternatives available or through some reassuring performances in training, affirmed his spot alongside Gerard Piqué in Barcelona’s line-up and this familiarity would bode well for the two in this hypothetical Catalonia-Spain encounter.

Bartra is another who is competent in possession, but his biggest asset (and potentially biggest downfall) is his eagerness to commit to challenges. At times it can leave his defensive party vulnerable but sometimes it pays dividends.

His opposing number, San José, isn’t your household name, but his versatility and flair make him another important individual for Spain and, his club, Athletic Bilbao respectively. San José (172 first team appearances) does have the edge over Bartra (51 first team appearances) when it comes to experience and, bearing the option of playing in defensive midfield, his flexibility renders him superior.

Not to say he is completely error-free, but Mikel has recently been subject to the meticulous regime of master tactician Ernesto Valverde, who prides himself on solid discipline and resillience in defence, so this is yet another victory for the Spaniards.

Verdict: Spain Win

#5 LB: Jordi Alba (CAT) vs. Cesar Azpilicueta (SPA)

José Luis Gaya, Juan Bernat, Jonny Castro... More recently Spain has been churning out tricky full-backs bursting with pace and the beginning of such a revolution can be pin-pointed to Barcelona’s €18-million pursuit of Jordi Alba from Valencia.

He provided some much-needed energy to a position Eric Abidal and Adriano had executed in a greatly comparative manner. Few capture the cliché Barcelona essence more than Alba - small, low centre of gravity, quick and keen to play tiki-taka football.

Having first burst onto the scene in the 2012 Euros, where he was sensational, Alba now plays as a regular for Barcelona and, at 26, has been well decorated with accolades, yet has plenty still to give.

In the same position for Spain is Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta. It’s been a very blue season indeed for the London club yes, but you only have to rewind as far back as May to witness the incredible displays Cesar put in. Having procured the skills, which now build the foundations of his game, in France with Marseille, Azpilicueta earned a reported £7-million move to Stamford Bridge in 2012, initially brought in as cover for Branislav Ivanovic at the time but the release of Ashley Cole propelled him to first-choice left-back.

A ferocious fighter, Cesar boasts great strength on the ball, stellar attacking incentive and the ability to play across practically the entire back-line, which I feel hands him the advantage over Jordi.

Verdict: Spain Win

#6 CM: Cesc Fabregas (CAT) vs. Thiago Alcantara (SPA)

You can forgive yourself for forgetting Cesc’s Catalan roots, given his devotion to Arsenal in his early career and insistence on returning to the Premier League to play for Chelsea, more recently, but it was the Barcelona youth academy where Fabregas began to sharpen his traits as a playmaker, often mixing it with the likes of Iniesta and Xavi in his early days.

With over 350 appearances at the top level under his belt, Cesc has been dubbed as the ‘assist master’ by many, having made an incredible 18 last Premier League season, the best in the division that term. The former-Arsenal man is clinical with his short passes in the final third, expelling sublime vision and balance. His through-balls are particularly deadly and, although not utilised incredibly effectively at Chelsea this season, would cause a lot of damage in this hypothetical wonder match.

In many respects, Thiago Alcantara, the Spanish option for this position, mirrors Cesc’s style of play almost exactly but the 24-year-old has youth on his side. At Bayern Munich, Thiago has thrived under maestro Pep Guardiola and, for that reason, one could argue the Catalan approach has been installed into the Spaniard’s DNA.

He may have flourished via the Barca academy, but Thiago actually has mixed origins, born in San Pietro Vernotico, Italy but to Brazilian parents. Key characteristics of all nationalities may have instilled themselves into his all-round game, from the flair of Brazil to the defensive awareness of Italy, but Thiago comes up short on the attacking front against Cesc.

Verdict: Catalonia Win

#7 CM: Xavi (CAT) vs. Andres Iniesta (SPA)

Yes, he does count. As long as Xavi Hernandez is still playing football, he is still viable for the Catalonia XI and why would they want to miss out on such class? At 35-years-old, Xavi is currently plying his trade at Qatari club Al Sadd and few epitomie the Spanish way of playing more than Xavi, well, Iniesta comes close I guess.

Team-mates for as long as most can remember, the chemistry between Xavi and Iniesta is unrivalled and the two have revolutionised the Spanish game, anchoring down the midfield for their nation and Barcelona respectively. Of the two, Iniesta’s always been the more agile and speedy and that’s a factor only bolstered by Xavi’s ageing but, even Andres can’t match the eye for a pass that Xavi possesses.

Both have played off each others’ strengths and weaknesses to form such a seemingly unbreakable bond but, in these circumstances, I feel each individual would require a pacey playmaker in front of them, to inflict damage towards the top of the tree, while they sit back and distribute the ball.

Most games boil down to the midfield battle and, to judge which of this pair is superior, I feel a few statistics are needed. The epicentre of the shockwaves Barca have sent out across Europe over the past decade, Xavi has won 25 major honours and has made 180 assists for more than 50 different Barcelona players, while Iniesta has scored 23 goals and assisted 59, since 2009 – incredible. This really is a case of opinion. Personally, I’m going to opt for Iniesta’s poetic creativity, purely because of his superior stamina.

Verdict: Spain Win

#8 CM: Sergio Busquets (CAT) vs. Santi Cazorla (SPA)

Both midfielders yes, although in different respects. Sergio Busquets was subject to some criticism when he was initially promoted to Barcelona’s first team, mainly due to his lack of physicality, a trait desperately required for a player in his position. Now though, he is the fulcrum that Barca’s midfield hinges on, compensating for his inferior power, strength and movement, with fantastic vision, tackling technique and ability to carry out lay-offs.

In 11 La Liga appearances this term, Busquets has an average pass completion of 89.9% and his willingness to dictate the game from a deeper role than fellow Barca team-mates Rakitic and Iniesta mean he’s a vital player to have in your team from both an attacking and defensive perspective.

Cross over to North-London and you’ll see Spain’s final midfield constituent, Santi Cazorla. Having made 11 assists last season, 9 of which came from open play, as well as 3053 touches (the third highest in the 2014/15 Premier League season), Santi’s form has only excelled this season, despite Wenger opting to deploy him in a less favourable, deeper role.

When played in an advanced position, few are more deadly with the ball though. Santi’s low centre of gravity provides him with superb balance, meaning he can weave his way through opposition defences, while his eye for a pass is equally as exquisite.

In terms of which individual would contribute more to the game, I feel Cazorla’s workmanlike attacking style outweighs the sit-back approach adopted by Busquets. Yet another win for Spain.

Verdict: Spain Win

#9 LW: Cristian Tello (CAT) vs. David Silva (SPA)

Although just 24-years-old, Cristian Tello possesses an array of tricks and traits which warranted first-team football in the form of a two-year loan spell at FC Porto, which he is currently in the second season of. With 7 goals to his name in a Porto shirt, the Spaniard is another who developed in the Barcelona youth ranks.

He likes to cut inside, drive down the flank or play one-twos through the middle. Incredibly nimble, Tello has had a tendency to be linked with a different English club every week, a testament to how well suited a player he is to the Premier League, where his opposing number currently performs.

Perhaps not renowned for star-studded pace, David Silva is quick off the starting blocks and is accomplished when it comes to playing off the striker. After making 8 assists in his first season, a tally which now stands at 30, Silva has been one of the most influential midfield figures in the Premier League’s recent history, epitomizing Manchester City’s transfiguration.

Pellegrini has felt his ability would be enhanced if he were to play higher up the pitch and, stuck out on the left flank on many an occasion, the Spaniard thrives off unconventional, creative forwards like City team-mate Sergio Aguero.

So Silva’s trickery outweighs Tello’s, while the latter’s meager defensive contribution is also worse. Perhaps in a few years time it’ll be a different story, given Tello’s credentials, but for now it’s Spain who take the reins.

Verdict: Spain Win

#10 RW: Bojan (CAT) vs. Pedro (SPA)

Both players who have been forced to adapt to the intensity of the Premier League, after Pedro swapped his Barcelona career for the London life with Chelsea, while Bojan saught whether or not he could do it on a cold, wet night in Stoke.

The latter in particular has impressed since his transition to the English top-flight but the reality is, after having such furore heaped on him as a young player, a lot was expected but various loan spells somewhat tainted his potential and, no disrespect to Stoke, but he’s hardly at one of Europe’s finest clubs now.

Despite stints at a host of clubs, Bojan did string together over 100 appearances for Barcelona’s first team. While his excellent agility and football intelligence enable him to cut inside and play across the entire front-line, Bojan is also a major counter attacking threat. This makes him suited to the lesser team – something the side of Catalonia are certainly shaping up to be in comparison to Spain.

Pedro meanwhile is just as lethal through the middle and, having scored and provided an assist on his debut against West Brom, his Chelsea career had a promising start. Since then though, his performances have reciprocated the team’s and the 28-year-old’s lack of defensive impetus has come unstuck in the Premier League. Nonetheless, his superior pedigree and experience over Bojan enhances his decision-making, while he’s also not averse to dropping into midfield to bolster the numbers.

Verdict: Spain Win

#11 ST: Alvaro Vaquez (CAT) vs. Diego Costa (SPA)

You may remember Alvaro Vazquez from his brief loan spell with Swansea City back in the 2013/14 season, where his performances were no better than lucklustre. Prior to that though, the 24-year-old Spaniard had impressed at both Espanyol and Getafe, where his movement in the final third and dead eye at direct free-kicks often sparked danger.

In terms of out-and-out strikers, Alvaro was the best of some slim pickings for Catalonia. When the region has stepped out onto the international stage, veteran Sergio Garcia has led the line as leader and has scored 8 times in 12 appearances for them. Despite his clinical eye for goal though, his ageing legs would most likely suffer in a high-intensity game as this and therefore I went for the more youthful, energetic option of Alvaro, who can also drop back every now and then to occupy the ‘number ten’ role.

The Premier League’s marmite, although the majority would veer more towards the direction of hate, Diego Costa ignited Chelsea’s campaign last season, finishing third top scorer with 20 league goals for the Blues. His physicality is essential in aerial battles, although it can often lead to dangerous play, as can his aggressive mentality which is at times beneficial in the Spaniard holding up play.

Able to play as a target man or advanced forward, Diego switched nationality just before the 2014 World Cup in his former home nation Brazil, but his form has dried up at national level. Regardless, his fine eye for goal and experience of the European stage hands Spain a final easy victory.

Verdict: Spain Win

#12 Final Verdict: Spain Steal the Show

Perhaps a tad harsh on Catalonia, given the quality professionals they have in their ranks, varying from Fabregas to Piqué to Xavi , but Spain, I expect, would walk this hypothetical clash. Had the players been matched up differently though, it could have been a completley different story.

At the back, Spain undoubtedly have the better man between the sticks as well as the more capable individual defenders. While Catalonia’s back-line may benefit from consisting mainly of Barcelona players, meaning the chemistry between them would be superior, the likes of Marc Bartra or Jordi Alba do have mistakes in them and against the attacking threat of Pedro, Silva and Costa, would be punished.

The midfield battle is equally as tight, with Xavi the visionary planted in the hub, Busquets the defensive anchor and Fabregas the most likely to delve forward for Catalonia, but the Spanish combination of Cazorla, Iniesta and Thiago is more attacking-oriented and thus more likely to get on the scoresheet or link up with the front-men.

As for the forwards though, it’s an absolute white-wash. Silva could tuck in on one side, while Pedro could play more direct, providing different creative outlets for the midfielders and alternative sources of the ball for Diego Costa.