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Spain will have six players from the Euro 2020 squad that made the semi-finals of the competition at Tokyo Olympics 2020, and they will be favorites to win gold.
La Furia Roja have one of the most star-studded squads along with Brazil. The two sides could meet in the quarter-finals based on the draw that has been laid out.
The Spaniards haven’t won Olympic gold since 1992, so the onus is certainly on this group of young players, of whom many are expected to make it big in a few years’ time.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at five Spanish players to watch out for at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
#5 Pau Torres
The centre-back’s stock has grown in the last year or so following some impressive displays for Villarreal and the Spanish national team.
Torres was a key part of the Spanish squad that made it to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 before losing to Italy on penalties.
In Sergio Ramos’ absence, Torres offered resilience at the back and is one of the best young ball-playing defenders in the world.
The centre-back’s impressive form for Villarreal, with whom he won the Europa League, is just the start of something as he has been linked with several top European sides.
At 24, he is one of the most senior members of the Spanish Olympic squad, and will be key with his performances at the heart of the defense.
#4 Dani Olmo
Dani Olmo has managed to replicate his impressive displays for RB Leipzig on the international stage for Spain. His ability to play anywhere across the front three or even in midfield will be key for coach Luis de la Fuente.
Olmo could feature in his preferred attacking midfield role, and will be the creative heart-beat of the team with his ability to pick a pass in the final third.
Olmo put in some impressive displays at Euro 2020, and mustered three assists in five appearances. He will hope for another strong display at the Tokyo Olympics before returning to his club.
#3 Pedri
Barcelona starlet Pedri's name was on everyone’s lips at Euro 2020 as he put in performances that belied his age.
Despite being just 18, Pedri ran the show for Spain in midfield and picked up the best young player of Euro 2020 award for his efforts.
Luis Enrique often used a 4-3-3 system, and Pedri was part of the midfield three. His ability to instigate play and keep hold of the ball in midfield was crucial. It would be a surprise if Luis de la Fuente used him any differently at the Tokyo Olympics.
Pedri may not score a lot of goals or come up with a lot of assists, but his passing and distribution are always immaculate. He will be one of the players to watch out for at the Tokyo Olympics.
#2 Mikel Oyarzabal
Real Sociedad star Mikel Oyarzabal is the heart-beat of his club, but he didn’t quite have the Euros that he was hoping for.
Oyarzabal scored just once in six games for Spain at Euro 2020, and was predominantly used as a backup by Luis Enrique.
His club form heading into the summer was impressive, and he will hope to make the chance to feature for Spain at the Tokyo Olympics count.
A supremely talented winger, Oyarzabal has managed ten goals or more in each of the last five Spanish Primera Liga seasons. He is expected to play a key role in Luis de la Fuente’s team.
The 24-year old helped Real Sociedad to their first trophy in more than three decades when they lifted the Copa Del Rey, and will hope to leave a mark at the Tokyo Olympics.
#1 Marco Asensio
When Marco Asensio burst onto the scene for Real Madrid, he was touted as the next big thing. However, injuries and patchy form have held him back in the last couple of years.
After failing to make the squad for Euro 2020, this will be a big opportunity for Asensio to impress and perhaps get his career back on track.
The gifted winger is the oldest member of the Spanish Olympic squad and will hope to lead through his performances on the pitch.
Asensio knows that with Carlo Ancelotti now at Real Madrid, he can lay down a marker at the Tokyo Olympics. He can then perhaps build on the momentum when club football resumes next month.
