Defenders
Right Back: Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos has become an incredible force in the last few years, playing a major role in Spain’s triumphs at Euro 2008 and Euro 2012. Starting his career as a right-back, the defender has gone from strength to strength, transforming himself into one of the best centre-backs in the world today.
He has improved on his earlier weaknesses such as discipline, and has become a senior member of the Spanish squad, having already amassed 133 caps for La Roja at just 30 years of age. He has proven his abilities at club level as well, playing an integral part in Real Madrid’s two Champions League titles in the past three years.
Possessing world class aerial ability as well as a passionate persona, the player could become the next captain of the side. He is starting at right-back in the XI.
Centre-Back: Carles Puyol
The heart of Spain’s defense from his debut in 2000 to his retirement in 2013, the centre-back has amassed 100 caps for the national side. Another extremely passionate character with great tactical and positional sense, he was also at the heart of FC Barcelona’s dominance in the past decade.
Puyol's presence in the middle itself instilled fear in the hearts of opponents. His partnership with Carlos Marchena in defense allowed Spain to form a rock solid unit, conceding just two goals in the entire 2008 tournament en route to the title.
He was included in the team of the tournament for his heroics. His versatility meant he could play on either flank as well, but found most success as a centre-back. A product of Barcelona’s youth academy La Masia, he is regarded as one of the greatest defenders of this generation.
Centre-back: Gerard Pique
Another of La Masia’s products, Gerard Pique has established himself as an integral part of the Spanish back-line since the FIFA World Cup in 2010, with 75 appearances to date. Playing in Euro 2012, the Spaniard was included in the team of the tournament as his partnership with Sergio Ramos allowed Spain to comfortably win the final 4-1 against Italy.
Starting his professional career at Manchester United before returning to his beloved Barcelona, Pique has proved himself as a fine defender, leading the Blaugrana to a trophy-laden spell. His partnership with Puyol in the early years was regarded as one of the best in Spain’s illustrious history. The centre-back is expected to start in Euro 2016 as well.
Left Back: Jose Antonio Camacho
Regarded as one of the finest left-backs, Jose Antonio Camacho represented La Roja in two World Cups as well as two European Championships, making 81 appearances in total. However, the incredible success he achieved at club level with Real Madrid never translated into international accolades as the closest Spain came to a title during his career was their run to the final at the Euro 1984 in France.
Camacho though is a highly respected figure in Spanish football, having coached the national team from 1998 to 2002. He makes the cut as the left-back for this team.
