Five players who will carry forward the Spanish leagacy

#2 Asier Illaremendi

Illaramendi is a midfielder who is most efficient at redistributing possession. Playing as a defensive midfielder, he shows great composure and excels in finding players in open spaces while still lying deep. Since coming into the limelight there have been inevitable comparisons with Xabi Alonso due to their similar playing styles.

But unlike Xabi Alonso, Illara focusses more on his defensive game. He at a tender age, has clean tackling skills which make him excellent at regaining possession. Showing his excellent game reading, he often comes up with vital interceptions thus stopping the opposition attacks before they can pose a serious threat.

He has been widely regarded as the successor for Xabi Alonso in the Spanish International as well as the Real Madrid side. To replace him equally, Illara needs to develop his passing range. While Alonso excelled at delivering pin point long range passes from 30-40 meters, Illara still needs to include that in his arsenal.

But with age on his side and adaptability as his major strength, he is bound to improve. He is an engine who can run relentlessly for the whole game. He, if required, can make advanced runs into goal scoring positions thus providing flexibility.

In years to come, with some improvements, Illaramendi will surely be the midfielder the Spanish side can rely on to provide the much required link between defence and offense with a rock solid defensive stability