Ushering in a New Era

I have already written about my reactions to today's games but I thought I should talk more about what I see as the future for Spanish soccer.

1. Vicente Del Bosque is out the door. The Man from La Mancha has had an amazing run as a coach and it cannot be disputed that the Tiki Taka Spain has used to dismantle opponents is due in large part to his management. It also cannot be argued that he has done an incredible job of uniting a team made up of players who normally hate each other. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona players were able to put aside their El Clasico rivalry and instead play for their country. The respect he has for his players though seems to have become his kryptonite. Case in point keeping in Iker Casillas in goal in today's match. It might be a bitter pill to swallow but he is no longer the Saint he once was. Now he is simply old, sloppy and one of the major reasons behind Spain's crippling defeat. It is time to usher in the new generation and Del Bosque's lack of substitutions today is proof that many of these players have reached the end of their international careers.

2. It is time for retirement. It finally dawned on me that this is probably the last time that the world will get to see Iniesta and Xavi play together. Xavi is making a random move to Qatar this coming season (He must be making a lot of money or why else would you want to live there?) and will no longer be running Barcelona and Spain's midfield. It cannot be denied that he and Iniesta's expert passing and creativity was a main reason behind why both Spain and Barcelona have been so successful. In some respects it is sad that Spain's success has declined in line with the decline of their individual players. However, it also makes you realize just how truly great these players are. Iniesta is my favorite player and looking at all that he has been able to do for Barcelona and Spain is proof that he is one of the best midfielders to have played the game.

3. What's next for Spain? I think it is obvious that in the coming years Spain's National team will be undergoing a lot of changes. Many of these older players will soon retire. However this should not impact the success of the Spain of the future. Spain has been successful in their youth national teams and have many players who will carry on the Tiki Taka legacy.

4. Ones to Watch:

Koke: A young Iniesta, this 22 year-old Atletico Madrid midfielder is coming off of a great season for his club. Appearing as a half-time sub in today's game, Koke has been influential in many of Spain's U-21 World Cup wins, the last one being in 2013. Koke works really hard in midfield and is adept at picking out the inch perfect past much like Xavi and Iniesta. It is sure that he will fill in the space left by these midfield giants.

David De Gea has been the number one goalie at Manchester United since 2011. Though being known for sometimes making the random error, De Gea has grown a lot as a goalkeeper even though he is only 23. A part of the U-21 team who won the World Cup, competed in the Olympics and the ManU team that competes in the Champions League, De Gea is not short on experience. This was the first year that he was called up to the senior squad but he is sure to be the go-to keeper in the future.

Gerard Deulofeu, is a product of the famed Barcelona La Masia, has become a threatening winger for his club teams. Recently called up to Barcelona's first team after on loan at Everton, Deulofeu is posed to make a huge splash on the European soccer scene. Deulofeu is quick and has a killer shot on goal. It is no wonder that he is a nightmare for defenses, getting behind central defenders and opening up play. Deulofeu has had great success on Spain's youth teams but was dropped at the 23 man cut for this World Cup. At only 20 years-old it will be no surprise that he becomes Spain's future super star.

Alvaro Morata is a frequent addition to Real Madrid's attack off the bench. He has had a good run in both Spain's youth teams and in Real Madrid's recent Champions League campaign. Both good in the air (he's 6'3!! That's a giant in Spanish soccer terms) and keeping possession of the ball, Morata (21) is sure to be a great striking option for Spain in the future.

There a lot more young Spaniards who are sure to feature for Spain in the years to come. Just looking at their U-18, 19, and 21 squads as well as the great youth academies of Spain, it is clear that Spain will be able to bounce back from this atrocious showing, though it is the end of a truly great era in soccer.