Viva's Power Rankings — No.3: Spain, the European champions, the youngest great team in football, and Yamal fit or unfit
Spain are the reigning European champions with the youngest average squad age at this tournament. Lamine Yamal is 18 and arguably the best player in the world. A hamstring concern is the only thing keeping them from number one on this list.
Spain are the European champions. They have the youngest average squad age at this tournament while simultaneously being one of the most technically sophisticated and tactically complete sides in the competition. That combination — youth and quality existing simultaneously rather than trading off against each other — is what makes this Spanish team genuinely different from any that has come before it.
The system Luis de la Fuente has built is the direct evolution of the era that won three consecutive major tournaments between 2008 and 2012. But the players executing it are younger, faster, and in several positions more technically gifted than that generation. That is a remarkable statement. It is also clearly true.
The squad depth
Spain's depth at every position is one of their most significant structural advantages. Pedri in midfield is the conductor of everything Spain build. His ability to receive under pressure in central areas and play forward — the specific quality that makes Spain's possession purposeful rather than passive — is the difference between Spain controlling a match and Spain just having the ball. Cubarsí at 19 is Spain's first-choice centre-back. That fact alone tells you everything about where this squad is in its development.
Yamal — the hamstring question
Everything about Spain's ceiling at this tournament runs through Lamine Yamal. Fit and sharp, he is the most exciting player in world football regardless of age. The hamstring problem heading into the tournament is the one variable that cannot be controlled by preparation or tactical intelligence. It is the reason Spain sit at three rather than first on this list.
A fully fit Spain with Yamal performing at his level is the most complete team at this tournament. That sentence contains no qualification.
Manager: Luis de la Fuente | Key player: Lamine Yamal
Group: Group H with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
"European champions. Youngest great team in football history. Yamal at 18 producing numbers that exceed Messi and Ronaldo at the same age. If the hamstring holds, Spain win this tournament. Third on this list only because of the injury uncertainty. On the pitch, fit, they are number one."
Next in the Power Rankings
No.2 tomorrow — The defending World Cup champions. The deepest squad in the tournament. A captain four goals from the all-time scoring record. Number two tomorrow — and the gap to number one is smaller than you think. Back to VivaSportsHQ →
