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Spain and Lucho: A new era begins
The tactics of Hierro, clearly under par, didn’t impress the Royal Federation of Espana Football and they searched for a replacement. Who better to coach Spain than the man who has been on both sides of the Clasico, who has played and scored in the Clasico and also coached a team for the Clasico.
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Spain appointed Luis Enrique as their new coach. Enrique coached Barcelona to a treble in his first managerial season. Enrique’s Barcelona played sleek, attractive football and their final third attacks combining Neymar, Suarez, and Messi was a masterclass. In his three seasons at Barcelona, Enrique won 8 out of a possible 12 trophies.
Luis Enrique has had two games in charge of Spain and he has shown promising signs. Being a Barcelona lover, that he is, he had no intentions of being partial. He named his squad with young talents like Saul, Ceballos, Marcos Alonso and Gaya.
He didn’t hesitate in leaving Jordi Alba out. He called up Sergi Roberto, for his performances with Barca. It tells that, he knows his players inside out. He substituted Busquets in 59 minutes, he is not afraid to take a veteran out of his position thus he trusts all his players.
The way Enrique is keeping things within the squad is good. He has managed to keep them as a cohesive unit, as it was evident from their games. He hasn’t allowed mobile phones at meal times and training according to reports. It will only help Spain increase their connectivity within the team.
Enrique has not only revamped Spain’s training, but he has also revamped their play. In their game with Croatia, Spain held 71% possession, not only that, the burst through the wings quite often. The players looked much more confident on the ball.
Their defence was airtight and not many Croatian attacks got through, they had only one shot on target. Spain passed around, this time with purpose. They attacked with poise, coming close several times, scoring 6 times.
Marco Asensio unleashed a whole new avatar of his, he dribbled with confidence and cut in to shoot with perfection. Asensio hasn’t played this way for Spain till now. His long shot taking ability will be useful against teams who overload the box. Spain completely neutralised Modric and Rakitic. The much acclaimed Croatia midfield didn’t even see the ball much. All supplies to the midfield were cut off. Lucho with sheer tactical brilliance.
All in all, Lucho has started his spell with the Spanish side exactly as he did with Barcelona. Players blooming with confidence, playing like a team with brilliant cohesiveness. Wing backs are striding forward with purpose, there are attempts to make forward plays. If Spain and Lucho keep these plays coming, the La Roja will be in perfect shape for EURO 2020.
It is time that the old Spanish style of football comes back, and La Roja has the quality to attain those high standards, that people set them.
Foot Note:
Reading pass maps
i)Thicker lines show the number of completed passes.
ii)The dot appears on the position which was occupied more by the player
iii)Bigger the dot size more the number of touches.
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