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Spain's UEFA Euro 2020 campaign ended with a loss in the penalty shootout against eventual champions Italy in the semi-final. La Furia Roja were the top-scoring side in the competition with 13 goals alongside champions Italy, who played a game more than the 2012 winners.
Luis Enrique opted for a young squad that proved to be a bit inconsistent at the start of Euro 2020. But as the tournament progressed, they got into their groove and found their shooting boots.
They missed Sergio Ramos in the defensive third but Pedri, the 18-year-old midfielder, had a breakthrough campaign and impressed one and all with his tireless running and determination.
Spain are always the favorites in any major tournament they take part in, but reaching the semi-finals alongside England, Italy and Denmark with a new-look squad could be considered to be a commendable achievement.
With Spain improving their record from the 2016 edition, in which they were knocked out in the round of 16, here we take a look at the five best players for Spain at Euro 2020.
#5 Dani Olmo
Spain had struggled to produce goal-scoring opportunities in their opening two games of the competition and played out back-to-back draws. Their attackers were criticized for their wastefulness in front of goal and as a result, many players were dropped to the bench in the third group stage fixture against Slovakia. One of the players who faced the axe was Dani Olmo.
The RB Leipzig winger was then used from the bench against Croatia in the round of 16 and proved to be the difference-maker as he provided assists for Spain's two extra-time goals.
His second substitute appearance against Switzerland also saw him heavily involved in the game and despite coming on in the second half, he had more key passes than anyone else on the pitch.
Against Italy, he picked up his third assist of the tournament but failed to convert in the shootout. He had a decent outing in his first international tournament for Spain.
#4 Alvaro Morata
For all the criticism and hatred directed at Alvaro Morata, we can't deny the fact that he was their biggest attacking threat throughout Euro 2020. With three goals to his name, he finished as the top scorer for Spain. He scored in crucial games against Poland, Croatia and Italy.
The Juventus star is now the leading goalscorer for La Furia Roja in the European Championship and despite missing a number of chances in the group stage fixtures, he silenced his critics with three crucial goals.
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#3 Jordi Alba
Jordi Alba was the senior-most defender in Spain's ranks at the Euros and he stepped up to the challenge. He was a great presence along the left flank for Spain and was always on the lookout for an opportunity to join the attack.
He was a calm presence in defense as well and alongside his own defensive duties, he organized his fellow defenders from time to time. For his tenacity against Poland, he was even awarded the MOTM award. He was heavily involved throughout the tournament and finished in the top three Spain players with the most touches per game.
#2 Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets proved that age is just a number as he ran the midfield for Spain. He missed the first two group stage games on account of COVID-19 and after his return, Luis Enrique tasted his first win of the competition and that was a massive 5-0 triumph over Slovakia. He won back-to-back Man of the Match awards for his impressive displays in his first two outings.
He put in a really great shift in the middle of the park defensively, winning three aerial duels on average and won back possession 19 times in the competition. He averaged 2.8 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per 90 in the tournament.
He wasn't involved in any goals at the tournament himself but his reliable presence at the heart of the midfield allowed players like Koke and Pedri to play their own game and be more involved in the attack. He also helped shore up the defense for Spain.
#1 Pedri
Pedri had a breakthrough campaign with Spain at Euro 2020 and with his masterclass in the middle of the pitch, he added to his growing reputation. He was a force for Spain and impressed with his work rate and all-around performance at the tournament.
His top-class stats are even more impressive given that the Barcelona player is still only 18 years old. He covered more distance than anyone else per game and when it came to key passes, he was head and shoulders above everyone else, with 31 to his name.
He completed 91% of his passes and in the semi-final clash against Italy, only misplaced two of his 67 passes.
Also See: 10 best goalkeepers in the world this season (2020-21)
